NANAIMO – Tourism has looked a little different for many BC businesses and operators this summer in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, travel restrictions and new social protocols haven’t slowed down the Nanaimo Hospitality Association and its destination partners who continue to see a steady return of visitors and overnight guests in Phase 3.
Vancouver Island Whale Watch recent sighting
Early on this spring, the association’s members embraced Destination BC’s Response Plan to “rekindle British Columbians’ curiosity and passion for the place they live, “in order to re-ignite local tourism. However, the hotel collective took things one step further by launching its “We’re Ready for You” campaign in June 2020 – outlining the tourism stakeholders pledge to cleanliness and safety for guests this summer.
With current hotel occupancy rates of 70-85 per cent, and a busy August long weekend now behind them, the association is attributing its surpassed tourism numbers to its efforts in communicating the added precautions being taken by the hotels, tourism stakeholders and their staff in accordance with WorkSafe BC protocols.
“I am so proud of how our local accommodators and tourism stakeholders have really pulled together to re-open our community with these new safety standards in place. We are very excited to continue sharing this special part of Vancouver Island with visitors while still adhering to the highest level of cleanliness,” says Dan Brady, Executive Director of the Nanaimo Hospitality Association.
Wild Play offers activities of every intensity
To continue the summer momentum in Nanaimo, the Nanaimo Hospitality Association has launched an exciting Contest Series which is being promoted through the Tourism Nanaimo website with several chances to win. These vacation packages include 2-night hotel stays and experiences with local tour operators like Vancouver Island Whale Watch, Harbour Air and Wild Play Nanaimo.
“People are looking for ways to make the most of their summer and Nanaimo is very fortunate to have so much to offer in the way of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and wide-open spaces to explore along with a variety of local amenities. In the new age of social distancing, I think that also means a lot to visitors, “says Jen Hale of Wild Play Nanaimo.
For more details on the Nanaimo Hospitality Association Contest Series or information on experiencing Nanaimo, please visit the Tourism Nanaimo website: www.tourismnanaimo.com and Instagram account: @tourismnanaimo
