NSA Canada Co-ed Slow-pitch World Series in Kamloops on September 2 (CFJC)

By Connor Gunn

SPORTS TOURISM

Kamloops sporting events sees a boost in hotel occupancy and tourism

Sep 2, 2022 | 5:15 PM

KAMLOOPS — During the summer months, sports events like the National Softball Association Canada Co-ed Slow-pitch World Series bring people to Kamloops in droves.

“In town this week we’ll have 93 teams. On average each individual will bring 3-4 kids so you’ll see 4000-5000 people go through the gates not including spectators this weekend,” says Joe Rose, NSA Canada National Director.

The Canada 55+ games wrapped up last week in the city and brought a major economic impact as well as tourism.

Tourism Kamloops judges the number of visits the city receives by “occupancy rates.” The occupancy rate is the percentage of rooms in hotels that are booked.

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In 2019, it was a record-breaking year for occupancy rates as it was near 80 per cent.

“Coming out of the Kamloops 55+ games just last week which was a great for the city we are estimating over $3.5 million in economic impact and with that we see occupancy rates in our hotels in the high 90’s so it’s great to see those increases over that time,” says Monica Dickinson with Tourism Kamloops.

During the pandemic summers in 2020 and 2021, Kamloops’ occupancy rate in hotels was cut by half.

Now in 2022, that percentage is exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

“Typically in the summers – we’re about the high 80’s but this year we’re seeing more 92, 93, 94, 95 per cent so that’s a significant increase in rooms to really bring that up in terms of occupancy,” says Bryan Pilbeam with the BC Hotels Association.

The Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) says having sporting events like the NSA World Series in the city sees a boost for businesses.

“The consensus is from most business owners is that [business] has been very positive in regards to increased traffic – it really has been a great summer,” says Howie Reimer, Downtown Business Improvement Association.

Having the NSA World Series in town is set to bring millions of dollars into the city through tourism.

“The economic impact on Kamloops ranges from $2-4 million annually. We’ll be coming here as long as they want us and we’re grateful for that,” Rose says.

“Those are non-resident dollars that are being injected into our businesses and our hotels and restaurants and it’s great when we can bring new money into the city,” adds Dickinson.

Businesses will continue to reap the benefits from the tournament which wraps up on Monday (September 5).