Prince George, B.C. – The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association is heading to Winnipeg this weekend to help promote travel in the region.

CEO Amy Thacker says the Go Media Canada Marketplace is the largest travel media conference in the country and includes business representatives and travel journalists from around the world.

She says the goal is "to encourage and inspire journalists to come tell stories about the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast."

Thacker also admits however that the Mt. Polley breach and recent BC Ferries cuts has made it a challenging year.

"The loss of the Queen of Chilliwack for the Port Hardy to Bella Coola leg has impacted our region significantly and the Mt. Polley breach just adds to it in the middle of the tourist season."

With those two setbacks in mind the goal will be fairly straight forward this year.

"I will be trying to ensure the message gets through that Cariboo businesses are open and while a tragic event, the Mt. Polley breach is off the beaten path and that we can still offer the exceptional experiences that the region is known for."

She says those experiences include great mountain biking trails, sightseeing, heli-skiing, guest ranches and family get-aways.