To the editor:

As the owner of a local tourism company which offers a variety of tours for visitors to enjoy, I know the importance of the referrals I receive from the Visitor Centre to my business.

The proposed location of the new Visitor Centre, at the Queensway Jetty parking lot area, has hundreds of thousands of visitors congregating annually. This means an increase in potential customers for myself and the over 300 local tourism-dependent businesses in Kelowna.

The new centre will enhance the economy, increase employment opportunities and provide our visitors with a memorable experience leading to return visits and referrals.

With the building set back from the waterfront by 50 feet on all sides this new public space will continue the waterfront walkway between Stuart Park and Kerry Park. Currently the walkway is divided by a parking lot set away from the waterfront. The waterfront views will not be compromised and it will estheticly compliment the current marina and Kelowna Yacht Club and the new hotel.

Travellers love to explore the places they are visiting, and the starting point for this exploration is usually the downtown area where most of the action is. The centre will showcase the variety of experiences Kelowna has to offer and get visitors excited to see the sights.

There are always suggestions of other locations for the centre, but wouldn't it be great to have it located at the proposed location where the historic ferryboats landed? This will continue to be a significant meeting place for visitors and residents and the beautiful building will be an attraction in itself.

Debbie Dupasquier,

Distinctly Kelowna Tours