VICTORIA, BC – One of the most successful investors (Warren Buffet) once said, “By far, the best investment you can make is in yourself.” At Destination Greater Victoria (DGV), we strongly believe that, as we’ve been investing in our visitor economy and tourism infrastructure for decades. It’s an approach that has made us one of the world’s most desired travel destinations and is leading many high-profile attractions, development and hospitality companies to invest in our region as well.
Last week, Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, a company with more than 130 years’ experience connecting guests to iconic destinations across Canada, the United States and beyond, announced it had acquired Eagle Wing Tours, Victoria’s top-rated whale watching and marine wildlife experience. Each year, Eagle Wing Tours connects more than 50,000 guests to Greater Victoria’s marine wildlife and ecosystems using its five-vessels operating year-round from Fisherman’s Wharf.
The acquisition is part of Pursuit’s Vision 2030 growth strategy, which focuses on driving long-term value through investments and strategic acquisitions in iconic destinations. Eagle Wing will continue to operate with its existing team, local leadership and community partnerships in place, while the company and the local visitor economy will benefit from Pursuit’s marketing capabilities and resources, which will help promote Greater Victoria to vast new audiences.
Pursuit’s investment speaks to the strength, viability and future business prospects of Greater Victoria and demonstrates how leadership in sustainability, regenerative tourism and community-based tourism can enhance the visitor experience while driving commercial success.
In our 10-year Destination Plan, DGV’s calls for the collaborative exploration and development of a wide range of investments that support tourism, while noting the importance of committing to the kinds of sustainability standards and practices that are increasingly drawing travellers and hospitality leaders like Pursuit to the capital region.
It’s an approach that paying off in many ways, such as the Belleville Terminal redevelopment underway to enhance our marine transportation capacity, and investments in the Ducks Building, B.C. Power Commission building, Westholme Hotel, and other hotel projects, which will provide a much-needed increase to our hotel room inventory.
As Pursuit’s president and CEO noted, Greater Victoria is one of Canada’s most desirable visitor markets with strong long-term demand fundamentals. That foundation for success is due in large part to ongoing investments in the tourism sector and our small business members who every day invest in our visitor economy by providing world-class experiences and services to our visitors.
