Questions loom
An uncertain future amid the grasp of COVID-19
Industry to focus on tour local this summer.
This time of year, Pictou Lodge is usually taking final deposits for summer wedding bookings.
And if this were an ordinary spring, general manager Wes Surrett would be busy finalizing plans for their Mother’s Day brunch and Beer Fest.
Instead, a cloud looms over the upcoming tourism season in Pictou County.
International visitors, including those from the U.S., typically make up 25 per cent of Pictou Lodge’s business. If that disappears in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, Surrett says it will be a blow, but not insurmountable. Hitting harder will be effects of restrictions on group sizes which may force weddings and other large events to be postponed.
“Weddings are the backbone of our business,” Surrett said.
What makes planning difficult is the unknowns – and there are many. How long will this last? Will group sizes continue to be restricted?
What are the liabilities with regard to cleaning staff?
Information changes daily. At first Surrett and his staff had hoped this all would be over before their peak season. Now they’re unsure.
“Every day, things change,” he said.
The best hope, they believe, is if people follow rules to control the spread and allow for a sense of normalcy to return as quickly as possible.
“It seems like everybody is doing what they can right now to deal with this,” he said. “When we come out, it’d be great to see a buy-local approach, so everybody gets back on their feet.”
He’s already seen local support as people have been buying gift certificates to help businesses get through this time when revenue is down.
“That’s a great way to keep a small independent going,” he said. “That’s been a great help for us.”
CHANGING FOCUS
Cindy MacKinnon is managing director of Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores. She said the not-forprofit tourism association is redirecting its marketing focus away from other countries and provinces. Instead Nova Scotians are being encouraged to spend the upcoming tourism season at home.
Many people haven’t experienced certain parts of their home province. She believes by doing that this summer, Nova Scotians can support each other, enjoy themselves and help get the economy back on solid ground.
“It’s more important than ever that we really support the local industry,” she said.
While July and August is when tourism season peaks in Nova Scotia, she said the province and this region in particular have really become year-round destinations. So already the effects of COVID-19 are being felt, as sports tourism – for tournaments or special events – takes a hit, while uncertainty plagues the entertainment sector.
“I think the unknown is what’s scary because we don’t know when this is going to end,” she said.
But no one’s throwing in the towel.
“We’re still preparing for the days when we can welcome visitors,” she said.
A bright spot through it all is seeing how people are coming together.
“You’re seeing that solidarity and that’s encouraging. It’s going to be better, it’s just when.”