PAUL NURSEY
VICTORIA – Looking back to the beginning of 2020, it is hard to remember the year started with a tremendous amount of hope and promise for our industry. Destination Greater Victoria forecasted another strong year, with full hotels and potential records in our meetings, events, and conferences business. In March, those forecasts were turned upside down, as public health and government decision makers restricted travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The effects were immediate. As an organization we went from promoting a world-class destination to fighting for our very survival. Greater Victoria business leaders came together and advocated for help. The Greater Victoria Tourism Rescue and Recovery Task Force played a vital role in highlighting the plight of the industry, proposing practical solutions, and keeping the industry top of mind as governments crafted policies in response to the economic downtown.
Despite the difficult circumstances, it was amazing to see many in the community work together as we sought solutions and prepared for a limited summer re-opening. The summer high season coincided with limited travel throughout the province. Our members did their best to salvage the season. Many worked hard to comply with health and safety orders for both employees and guests.
We emerged from the summer hopeful that we would see even fewer restrictions than in the summer. However, the “second wave” of COVID-19 hit and many in our industry were forced to cease operations as non-essential travel was once again suspended. It was a disappointing blow, but not unexpected. We continue to work with government partners on what deliberate re-opening and recovery looks like. As vaccines are approved it is now possible to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It will take time for travel restrictions to be lifted, but by the end of 2021 we expect to be marketing internationally and welcoming people from around the world.
Better days are ahead. This year has been a challenge for so many in the visitor economy – not just in Greater Victoria but around the world. Operating safely and in lockstep with guidelines and health directives, the focus now is preparing the visitor economy for what that will look like.
We need to capitalize on our opportunities. There will be many destinations marketing to potential visitors in 2021. They key is for Greater Victoria to position itself as the number one choice for travelers. With our amazing hotels, restaurants, and attractions – and people – I am confident we will deliver.
Paul Nursey is the President and CEO of Destination Greater Victoria
