Holiday decor brings biz

The Penticton Lakeside Resort might look more like the North Pole than a hotel this month, but the decorations have worked to attract guests during the winter season.

Not only are tourists excited by the holiday decor, but locals are opting for an overnight stay in their own town.

“The idea behind it was to have locals come and check out the decor and really get into the Christmas spirit, but also to drive tourism,” said director of sales and marketing Brannigan Mosses.

“We’re hoping to enhance people's stays while they’re here and get that Christmas spirit when they’re coming to Penticton."

The resort has started to see locals use the hotel as a mini getaway more and more recently.

“Each year David (owner) adds just a little bit more,” Mosses said. “We’re hoping that even during the winter months, even if it’s a staycation or people from afar, it’s a place where people say, ‘Hey, we love the vibe there and the Christmas feel.’”

Santa’s big red chair has proven to be a hit, with families requesting professional Christmas photos in the resort’s lobby.