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Locals can snap up discount tourism offerings

Be a Tourist festival returns   for 39th year

Discounts at hotels, restaurants and attractions often skipped by Greater Victoria locals are in open season for the 39th edition of Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown.

The event, on from March 2 to 6, offers coupons and passes to venues in the region, including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Prince of Whales Whale Watching and WildPlay Element Parks.

“Although they’re tourist attractions, (they’re) part of the community,” said Krista Larsen, co-ordinator for Attractions Victoria, the non-profit that puts Be a Tourist together. 

“It’s the largest industry in Victoria, but more importantly, we participate in day-to-day life here as a business or employees of these businesses.”

Be a Tourist began as a one-day event with five stops. This year, there are 63 destinations.

“When you stage an event like this in a place like this, there continues to be that wow factor, as in ‘wow, look at where I live,’” Larsen said.

ecardone@vicnews.com