Vancouver's beleaguered tourism sector gets a massive shot in the arm this weekend as thousands of visitors show up for what will be the biggest party of the year.
They are drawn to the city by three major events, including the World Police and Fire Games, the finale of the HSBC Festival of Light fireworks competition and Sunday's Pride Parade.
It is just what tourism officials have been waiting for. "It's amazing. We could only dream of something like this happening all at one time,'' said Richard Yore, of Tourism Vancouver.
Yore also likes the fact that it costs nothing to participate in all three events, a feature that helps to attract people from around the world.
"I've seen people from China, Japan and London,'' said Jeremy Dias, Grand Marshall of the Vancouver Pride Parade."It's people who are gay themselves or are supporting their friends and family," Dias said.
Participants in the World Police and Fire Games said they will likely spend about a week in the area, not only competing in the Games, but shopping and experiencing what Vancouver has to offer.
It all adds up to major cash injection for a tourism industry that has been experiencing a difficult time for a number of reasons, Yore said.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Shannon Paterson.
