The Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association anticipates a strong 2025 season, as Canadians stay closer to home for vacations.
Canadians are already choosing to travel domestically due to the current political climate and border crossing concerns, according to Blain Sepos, executive director of PQBTA.
"This bodes well for PQB, as most of our visitors are from B.C./Canada and we are seen as a safe and relaxing destination," Sepos told the PQB News.
According to Destination BC, most travellers to Vancouver Island in 2023 were B.C. residents, who accounted for 50 per cent of total nights spent in the region.
Alberta and Ontario were in second and third place, making up 14 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively. The top international markets were Washington, California and the UK.
Seacliff Properties has noticed its vacation rental suites occupancy increase “substantively” year over year, according to Georgia Desjardins, vice-president of development.
In April, the company announced six new one-bedroom vacation rental suites at Fairwinds Residences in Nanoose Bay, which brings the total to 17.
“I think it’s becoming a more common and preferred travel destination for not only people from the Lower Mainland but a broader reach as well,” Desjardins said. “We’re seeing lots of travel from Ontario, Alberta and elsewhere in the country.”
Tourists are drawn to the area for amenities such as the nearby marina and golf course, but also outdoor activities like kayaking, biking, hiking, boating and birdwatching, according to Seacliff Properties.
“The new Fairwinds Residences rentals at Schooner Cove are a great addition to PQB's accommodation inventory,” Sepos added. “The marina views and proximity to Fairwinds Golf Club offer yet another unique experience for our visitors to enjoy.”
In addition to the vacation rentals, the master planned community at Fairwinds already includes more than 1,000 homes, Desjardins said, and there are plans for approximately 2,000 more across the 700 acres of remaining development land, to be built out in phases over the course of several years.
