Rural areas have limited amounts of money to spend on marketing themselves to tourists.

But there is power in numbers. And that’s one of the points that will be raised next month at the first ever B.C. Conference on Rural Tourism, being held at the South Thompson Inn.

One of the organizers, Ron Hood of TRU’s school of tourism, said Friday partnership is one of the themes up for discussion and debate at the event, slated for April 6 to 8.

The gathering is aimed at those who rely on the tourism industry for their livelihoods, but there will be participation from TRU tourism students, among others.

Hood said attracting tourists to areas outside of urban centres requires more than just printing up brochures. Tourists want experiences, whether it’s meeting locals, skiing in the back country or milking a cow.

He’s hoping the conference will become a regular event, held every year or two, to give tourism operators a chance to network and exchange ideas and information.

He’s expecting as many as 75 or 80 people will attend.