As National Tourism Week Kicks Off, British Columbians Are Urged To Stay Local & Support Local Tourism Businesses
VICTORIA – National Tourism Week (May 23-30) traditionally signals the kick-off of tourist season, and the CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island is encouraging people in the region to celebrate the occasion by staying local and supporting local tourism businesses.
Anthony Everett says we all need to be respectful of existing health orders and travel restrictions, but people should also see this as an opportunity to explore tourism opportunities that exist in their own back yard, whether they be in the form of adventure tourism attractions, restaurants, campgrounds or arts and culture activities.
“People should get out and enjoy the wide variety of tourist and hospitality opportunities, but let’s do it in a manner that is safe, smart and supports local businesses,” says Anthony. “For over a year, tourism operators have demonstrated their resilience, but for many it’s been an ongoing struggle to keep their head above water and they need our help, now more than ever.”
As one of five regional tourism associations that function under the umbrella of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat, Tourism Vancouver Island continues to place a high priority on assisting businesses adapt and respond to the pandemic. Through the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, the region has supported more than 440 operators – providing them access to experts in health and safety, human resources, finance and strategic planning, and digital marketing services. The total number of contacts between the Resiliency Network and businesses, within the five regions over the past 14 months, totals more than 38,000.
As much as support for operators getting through today is a priority, the region is also working to ensure a post-COVID tourism economy that is as strong as possible.
Through the Targeted Regional Tourism Initiative, five new destination and tourism infrastructure developments are underway in the region with support from the province. Initiatives include revitalizing downtown cores to entice visitors and encourage them to stay longer, cleaning up shores with marine waste collectors, building a world-class mountain biking destination and creating awareness of territorial recognition for Indigenous communities.
The recently announced BC Major Anchor Attraction Program is also an important initiative, supporting important job-creators by offering one-time grants for eligible expenses that include payroll, rent and utility costs so they are prepared for gradual reopening in alignment with provincial health orders.
Tourism Vancouver Island is also one of four regional destination management organizations that recently signed a letter of commitment to pursue the Biosphere certification, which aligns with 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations in areas that include climate change, environment, social, economy and culture. Certification will elevate sustainability as a cornerstone of future planning and will communicate to travellers that the region adheres to and is committed to ideals that parallel their own.
Until measures intended to protect us all are relaxed, Everett says all British Columbians can play their part by following the advice of public health officials. He is also encouraging people to support an initiative by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and sign a pledge to travel domestically when it is safe to do so, in support of businesses in this country that will need help in rebuilding the country’s tourism economy.
@tourismvi.ca
