Photo: Contributed Kelowna Mission MLA Renee Merrifield As the summer days stretch on and Kelowna’s natural beauty should be at its peak, a pressing question has been on my mind: Where have all the tourists gone? Our city, which once thrived on the bustling activity of visitors from near and far, now seems quieter, more subdued. Businesses that depend on the influx of summer tourists are noticing the change, and so are residents. What has changed? Why is our vibrant city, so full of potential, seeing fewer tourists this year? I believe there are three key factors contributing to this decline—the lack of affordable and family-friendly short-term rentals, the ongoing impact of smoke from wildfires and the broader economic realities of the cost of living.
Short-term rentals have long been a cornerstone of Kelowna's appeal to tourists. For years, visitors have flocked here, drawn not only by our beautiful landscape and welcoming atmosphere but also by the availability of affordable, family-friendly accommodations. However, recent provincial and municipal changes in regulations and the increasing costs associated with hotels have made it more difficult for families to find affordable places to stay.
Kelowna has 4,500 hotel rooms and with the short-term rental units, that number would be near double. Now, with the current restriction on short-term rentals, hotel rooms have doubled in cost and there are fewer places to stay. Not everyone wants a hotel room.
The short-term rental.