Warmer weather is fast approaching, but B.C.'s summer vacation hot spots are feeling the chill of the global economic downturn.

Even in Kelowna, located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley and known worldwide for its vineyards, times are tough for tour operators and resorts.

Gerry Ellchuck, who operates Falcon Bus Charters in Kelowna, said the phones have been unusually quiet this spring.

"It's slower than it was last year. I think the travelling public are more waiting 'til the last minute, rather than booking in advance."

Ellchuck blames that on a poor economy.

"Lots of people have lost of lot of money and are taking a look at where they want to spend it on," he said.

"Before, you know, it's like, 'We'll let's just go, we got the cash, [it] don't matter.' I think that's the difference this year."

Ellchuck is not the only one seeing a decline in business.

Steve Cipes, the owner of the Summerhill Winery in Kelowna, said he's also feeling the pinch.

"January, February, March of 2008 to 2009 was a whopping 40 per cent difference. I don't want to say [it's] alarming, but it's not the way people usually come and flock, especially for organic wines," Cipes said.

For a region so reliant on summer tourism, that kind of decline can be frightening.

"The trends are showing that people are deciding to wait until the last minute to book their travel," said Tourism Kelowna CEO Nancy Cameron.

"[This] is creating some anxiety levels, certainly, amongst our businesses who aren't seeing the bookings coming in as they normally would. But those people, we still believe, will travel."

Tourism Kelowna is planning to launch its summer marketing campaign later than usual in an attempt to entice those making last-minute travel plans.