Tourism Chair boosts rural benefits from Olympic games

A regional innovation chair at Vancouver Island University to support tourism in rural B.C. will provide the knowledge to increase the benefits of the 2010 Winter Games in smaller communities and help them expand their economic base, Premier Gordon Campbell said today.

"Rural B.C. communities enjoy some of the most spectacular surroundings in the world, and this chair will help them capitalize on their natural assets by providing resources to guide tourism development," said Premier Campbell. "We’re looking forward to showcasing rural B.C. to the tourists who will discover our beautiful province through the Olympic Games, and who will return to visit us time and again."

The Province provided $1.25 million from the Leading Edge Endowment Fund to endow the B.C. Regional Innovation Chair in Tourism and Sustainable Rural Development. Matching funding has been raised by Vancouver Island University, with $250,000 contributed by the B.C. Real Estate Foundation.

"Research and innovation provide a foundation for strong and vibrant local economies, which is one of the reasons we’ve invested more than $1.7 billion in research over the past seven years," said Ida Chong, Minister of Technology, Trade and Economic Development. "By funding this chair we are helping the tourism industry meet the government’s goal to double revenues by 2015, and will provide the support for rural communities to be part of this growth."

The chair is held by Nicole Vaugeois, who has a PhD in tourism planning and development from Michigan State University, and has worked with regional and community tourism organizations on Vancouver Island to identify opportunities to expand tourism in the region.

"The untapped opportunities in our region are significant, and I applaud our government’s support of rural tourism in B.C. and in particular, on Vancouver Island," said Vaugeois. "I am looking forward to collaborating on quality initiatives that will support the regional economic and social development of the communities we serve."

The chair will be part of the faculty of management at Vancouver Island University, and its research program will include developing and delivering customized management training, help regions and communities with their planning needs, and promote long-term opportunities resulting from the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"This chair and the funding to support it fit very well with VIU’s role in economic development," said Ralph Nilson, president of Vancouver Island University. "VIU is committed to working with business to strengthen research and development. Nicole has an exceptional background in economic development and tourism, and she is a strong leader. We are very pleased to have her play this role on our behalf."

The $56.25-million Leading Edge Endowment Fund is establishing nine regional innovation chairs, along with 20 research leadership chairs to help attract top researchers to B.C., and to retain them. Institutions provide matching funds secured from outside partners.

This is the province’s fourth B.C. regional innovation chair. Regional innovation chairs have three main goals:

*To support applied research, development and innovation that will bolster regional economic and social development in all areas of the province.

*To attract highly qualified people in areas relevant to regional social and economic development.

*To support collaboration between post-secondary institutions and their regional communities.