MAILBOX Tourism holds key to future Dear Editor: Imagine a non-polluting in- dustry, one that would contribute more than $5 billion in revenue to our province in just one year. Imagine buildin, an industry reliant on scenic beauty and clean, friendly cities. Imagine if this industry would have the multiple «dvantages of increasing our economic well- being and enhancing the amenities available to B.C. residents year round. Developing this industry would undoubtedly benefit all British Columbians, wouldn’t it? This industry isn’t a figment of your imagination. It is real, it ex- ists — it’s called tourism. Last year B.C.’s tourism in- dustry had its best year ever, gencrating a record $5.2 billion in revenue. Over 23 million people visited and stayed overnight in our province in 1990, _ Tourism has shown remarkable growth ever since its great boost in the Expo year of 1986. Expo more than paid for itself in in- creased tourism revenues in 1986 alone, but since its legacy has growth, B.C."s contributed to further making tourism one of most important industries. In the three major areas of marketing, developing cestinations and improving the training and professionalism of hospitality in- dustry staff, our government has been hard at work to attract first-time visitors and to keep them coming back. In the last few years, our foresight has paid off, giving us a top notch reputation in the inter- national travel industry. The SuperHost program, the Com- munity Tourism Action program, Travel Infocentres and the new Pacific Rim Institute of Tourism are just a few of the initiatives that our government has under- taken to continue to develop tourism as a sustainable industry. When one considers the scope of activities and the wide range of diverse geographic sights in the province, it shouldn’t be a sur- prise that 67% of people who took holidays in B.C. last year were from our own province. The impact of British Colum- bians travelling within the pro- vince is much greater than had been previously realized. Of the $5 biliion spent by tourists last year, §2% or $2.7 billion was spent by British Columbians. Visitors from the U.S. made up the next iargest group of tourists, followed by Japanese and British tourists. Tourism is a non-cyclical, sus- tainable and = non-polluting —in- dustry which | believe holds the key to the future of a better B.C. So when you see a tourist, take a moment to smile. !f you can, pitch in to offer directions, advice or simpiy hospitality. Chances are you may even be heiping a fellow British Columbian around your little corner of the province. This one small action will con- tribute further to the enhancement of your region and our province's reputation in the world-wide tourism community. The seed you plant will grow to benefit not only yourself, but the future of everyone in beautiful B.C. John Reynotds, MLA West Vancouver-Howe Sound Privatization means lousy pensions Dear Editor: Re: Noel Wright's column, **Bureaucrats vs. Socreds."’ Until 1988, I'd spent over 20 years working for B.C. Hydro, which has always been under the thumbs of Victoria’s politicians, few of whom have degrees, and fewer of whom know much about electricity. Many employees of government are constantly annoyed with poli- ticians interfering in the routine operations policies of the services under their jurisdictton. No matter which party is in power, certain things have to be done to keep the lights on, or the traffic moving, or the children in school. When privatization became the in thing a few years ago, and layoffs were replaced by thinly- disguised ‘‘early retirement’’ plans, and experts were consulted on how best to convince us to co-operate, or else face possible termination without any perks, how do you think we felt? Sore of us thought we had 10 years until retirement, in which to fatten up insufficient pension funds, so that one day we could actually retire and live a little. In- stead, we found ourselves accep- ting a pension, calculated with TROPICAL TOES Nails Chez Elle Pedicure and . 99 Manicure Special 34 39” So thin & natural looking. Other services: FACIAL ESTHETICS 922-1225 Sculpiured Acne Treatments, Waxing, Lash tinting & Makeup 1369 Marine Dr., West Vancouver , “creative accounting,’” which can hardly pay the rent, after taxes. Our career jobs paying $20 an hour suddenly had to be replaced with menial work without any benefits, wherever it could be found. And retirement became something that somebody — else might enjoy, but we can’t afford, now or later. We can thank our politicians for that. Socreds are great at “creative accounting,”’ but are no friends of the workers out here, their own or anyone else's. I'd like to see them forced into premature retirement, just as they've done to me, and hundreds of my co-workers all over the province. The ‘‘good life’? in B.C. has turned out to be anything but, for too many of us lately. Ray Sutton West Vancouver DRAPERIES BY S. LAURSEN CUSTOM DRAPERIES AND VALANCES Labour $7.56 per panel untined, $8.50 jined CUSTOM BEDSPREADS AND COVERS Low, low prices on blinds and tracks For FREE Estimates Call 987-2966 Serving the North Shore for 19 years PRESCHOOL IMMUNIZATION CLINICS HAS YOUR SCHOOL-AGED CHILD HAD AN IMMUNIZATION BOOSTER ? Immunizations may be carried out through your family doctor. North Shore Health is also organizing two pre-school immunization clinics in August. To make Appointments, please contact North Shore Health at 983-6800. PRESCHOOL IMMUNIZATION CLINICS DATE: TIME: PLACE: 1:30 - 4:00 PM AUGUST 9 (Friday) WEST. VANCOUVER RECREATION CENTRE Dogwood Room, Main Floor 780 - 22nd Street, West Vancouver DATE: TIME: PLACE: 1:30 - 4:00 PM AUGUST 23 (Friday) LONSDALE RECREATION CENTRE Esplanade Room, Main Floor 123 East 23rd Street, North Vancouver #2 Hearing Clinic Wednesday, July 31, 1991 -- North Shore News - 7 MEDOX HEALTH SERVICES | ‘dependable private care | in home or hospital 24 Hours a Dav 987-0861 ‘HEARING PROBLEMS? | WE CAN HELP Neil Walton, M.Sc, Aud(C) Registered Audiologist 301-1200 Lonsdale Ave. P acific North Vancouver, BC. 985-2501 Pacis Aucielegy S3500.G64 re 1991 LEGACY LT 5 SPEED 4x4 WAGON LT 4-wheel drive, air-conditioning, power sunroof, power windows, deluxe int. 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