Meeting challenges

A strong dollar, high fuel prices and economic storm clouds south of the border dogged B.C. tourism operators through this summer. Advance bookings were soft as tourists put off making plans until the last minute – and even then, favourable exchange rates sent domestic travellers south of the border.

“For the first time in my recollection, we have a travel deficit with the U.S.,” says Frank Bourree, principal of the Chemistry Consulting Group Inc. in Victoria and a long-time observer of B.C.’s tourism sector.
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