PAUL NURSEY
VICTORIA – As the Greater Victoria visitor economy recovers, it is easy to forget this momentum did not simply happen. There was a tremendous amount of work and coordinated effort by tourism leaders advocating to government officials and decision-makers to help create the foundation for people to return to their favourite restaurants, stay at their favourite hotels and patronize their favourite attractions.
Governments listened. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic programs such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) helped buoy tourism businesses when revenues were minimal. As we enter a recovery phase, broad-based support might not make as much sense as earlier points of the COVID-19 pandemic, but some tourism businesses still need help. Therefore, Destination Greater Victoria was pleased to see the federal government’s announcement on October 21 of targeted measures for the Canadian visitor economy. These targeted measures include the Canada Recovery Hiring Program extension to May 2022, as well as support through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program and Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program.
The federal government’s programs – past and present – have contributed to a net benefit where many businesses have survived, ownership has remained local, and there is product to serve customers as we recover. The mass failure of the industry, as originally feared, did not happen. There are very significant debts to pay in the years ahead, but enterprise has a fighting chance to contribute, employ and create going concerns, including family businesses to pass down to future generations.
It was not just the federal government, but local and provincial governments too. Provincial programs such as the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant Program and the Major Anchor Attractions Program were helpful to many Destination Greater Victoria members. The City of Victoria initiated its Build Back Victoria program, including giving restaurants and businesses the opportunity to expand their patios, and services on sidewalks, streets and neighbourhood squares and plazas. Collectively, these programs made a material difference for so many local businesses.
The visitor economy has been a massive contributor of taxation revenues, employment, and business opportunity in Canada for decades. While there is still a long road ahead, we look forward to full recovery as soon as possible. The industry is very grateful for the government supports through the worst of the crisis, helping prepare for recovery which hopefully will be even stronger during 2022. Looking back on almost two years, we are now able to be more reflective and analytical. We thank local, provincial and federal governments for their support and helping set the stage for what will hopefully be a strong 2022 for the Canadian visitor economy.
Paul Nursey is the President and CEO of Destination Greater Victoria
