Oak Bay is on the map – the Be A Tourist in Your Own Hometown map – for the first time in the annual event’s 44-year history.
Celebrating the new addition to the Attractions Victoria event line-up, David Roberts, executive director for Attractions Victoria, launched this year’s event at the Penny Farthing Pub on Oak Bay Avenue, one of this year’s participants.
Joining the pub in the event from Oak Bay are Rogers Chocolates, Discovery Coffee, Pedego Victoria Electric Bikes and Sweet Delights.
“We wanted to reach out to communities we hadn’t reached out to before and Oak Bay has so much to offer,” Roberts said.
“This is a stellar opportunity for us. Last year we were really excited because we hit a record number of a participants. We had 53 participants last year, we’re now closing in on 60 so it will be another record year.”
A Tourist in Your Own Hometown runs Feb. 23 to 26.
Ticket-holders can take advantage of close to 60 deals, valued at more than $500, from Greater Victoria’s attractions, activities, distillers and others for free or at substantial discounts.
The idea is to encourage locals to explore some of the many attractions, businesses and communities that visitors typically enjoy.
“It takes what is usually a tourist attraction and makes it a local attraction,” Roberts said.
Tickets are limited to 10,000 this year and are selling quickly.
“We are already double our sales from last year at this point. We’re looking like we actually will sell out of tickets so we hope people will continue to buy early.
“So it should be a great, great year.”
Along with the Oak Bay newcomers, other new additions include hockey teams the Victoria Royals and the Victoria Grizzlies, Horror Escape and Trapped Escape Room, and a winery and distillery tour.
Winery tour participants will enjoy complimentary tastings from Sea Cider Farm and Cidery, De Vine Vineyards, Victoria Distillery and Caledonia Brewery and Distillery, with transportation provided by CVS tours for $15.
“Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown continues to evolve and be reflective of the emerging sectors of our tourism industry,” Roberts said.
“We are thrilled to see Be A Tourist expand into the craft distillery industry, food tasting tours and local sporting events.
“Offers are available throughout Victoria and extend into Oak Bay, Esquimalt and the West Shore in addition to downtown and the Saanich Peninsula.”
Returning Be A Tourist supporters include Butchart Gardens, the Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, Miniature World, Eagle Wing, Springtide and Prince of Whales whale watching, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse, CVS Tours and CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum.
Be A Tourist VIP cards are $15 each and available from Thrifty Foods, The Bay Centre, Tourism Victoria Information Centre and Uptown or online at BeATourist.ca. Buy four and receive one free until Feb. 26.
editor@oakbaynews.come