Ep. 562: Indigenous Tourism’s Many Benefits
Guest: Chyanne Trenholm (Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours)
“It is challenging to know how the tourism industry in British Columbia is going to be affected by ‘elbows up’ nationalism,” says Chyanne Trenholm of Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours, a First Nations tourism operator. “I can tell you we are seeing an increase in interest and in bookings. Just how much business will be up this summer, it’s too early to tell. But business is up.”
A move to unique tourism experiences, such as indigenous wilderness adventures, is in line with changes in sustainable and culturally authentic vacations. Trenholm says, “The Homalco First Nations take visitors on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. They see grizz salmon fishing and orcas breaching right in front of their eyes as an eagle flies overhead. It’s breathtaking.”
The benefits of indigenous tourism include cultural preservation, reconciliation, and jobs. Trenholm says, “More than 7,400 people are working in direct full-time indigenous tourism jobs. The sector generates more than $700 million in direct economic output.”
We invited Chyanne Trenholm of Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours to join us for a Conversation That Matters about indigenous tourism and its benefits to British Columbia.
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