A new report commissioned by the Tourism Industry Association of B.C. (TIABC) predicts that ferry cuts will have a negative impact on the province's economy.
The report focused on cuts to a circle route between Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, and Bella Coola on B.C.'s northern mainland.
It concludes that many local tourism and other businesses that serve the route will face near certain hardship – including permanent business closures – if the proposed service cuts go ahead this year, as planned.
The report alleges that the circle route, also known as Route 40, is profitable based on the total provincial taxes that it generates.
"Our preliminary survey of TIABC members in the affected service regions shows devastating impacts to their businesses," said TIABC executive director Ian Robertson.
The tourism industry in B.C. generates $13 billion dollars a year in revenue and contributes $1.13 billion in provincial taxes to the province, according to TIABC data.
"We're just rebounding and rebuilding the sector, after a few leaner years," Robertson said. "Any reduction or restriction in services that impacts visitors 'ease of use' or ability to access any region, represents not only a major step back-wards in promoting all the wonderful, diverse experiences this province has to offer but also has negative short and long term economic consequences on businesses and employment across B.C."
