Founded in 1993, COTA's diverse membership includes organizations and businesses from all sectors of the tourism industry, including accommodation, transportation, resorts, attractions, tourism associations, industry suppliers, and educators.

When COTA's original members began meeting, tourism was worth less than $4 billion annually to the B.C. economy. The industry was just starting to show signs of becoming one of the province's lead generators of economic growth. Over the past decade, tourism has grown to the point where it now generates $9.2 billion annually for our province's economy and directly employs 117,500 British Columbians. When tourism-related employees are included, the total swells to 266,000. Tourism is currently the second largest industry in B.C. after forestry.

Over the years COTA's efforts have resulted in numerous tourism-friendly changes in government policy. COTA was instrumental in the creation of Tourism British Columbia as a Crown corporation and secured a sustainable revenue flow for Tourism BC's marketing efforts. Further COTA was the driving force that effected changes to the Tourism Act, ensuring that tourism values are included in all land-based decisions.

COTA looks at the big picture – harmonizing each single voice into one loud, effective roar. We remain committed to advising the governments on tourism policy development and eliminating barriers to tourism growth.