OBEY THE RULES
The mayors of B.C.’s many tourist destinations are hopeful that non-essential travel will be allowed soon, but are urging potential visitors to stick to protocols
With Phase 3 of B.C.’s restart plan possibly on the horizon, tourism-dependent towns across the province are preparing to roll out the welcome mat to visitors after many had withdrawn that mat while cases of COVID-19 were on the rise — in some cases pleading with people not to come.
“Business are excited and getting ready to welcome visitors back,” says Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne.
In early April, the resort municipality known for its surfing and relaxed vibe asked people to postpone their visits to protect limited health-care resources. Many businesses closed, and some may not be fully up-and-running this summer, meaning restrictions, different hours and possibly lineups, said Osborne.
“The experience won’t be the same. But the beaches are the same,” she said.
If new modelling numbers expected next week are favourable, B.C. could see advisories to avoid non-essential travel lifted. The mayors of several tourist destinations contacted by Postmedia were cautiously optimistic about that prospect.
“I would never discourage people from visiting, but I’m not urging them to come, either,” said Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki. “People will need to make that decision on their own, and if they do, they’ll have to obey the rules.”
Vassilaki said his community will listen to B.C. health officials, but it will also make decisions to protect residents, meaning some civic facilities won’t be open.
But he added that if people do decide to travel to Penticton, “they’ll have a great time.”
Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff said she received criticism for telling visitors to stay away over the Easter and May long weekends, but as she sat in her office overlooking the town’s main street, she could see boats, campers and motorcycles.
“It looks pretty normal for this time of year,” she said.
Hotels are reporting reservations for July and August, while restaurants are starting to open.
“We know people will come. We’re just hoping they’ll be considerate of local people and businesses,” she said, adding, “we absolutely want our businesses supported, but we also want to be cautious.”
In Harrison Hot Springs, where the front street was closed to visitors for a time,
Mayor Leo Facio said health and safety has been the priority for his council. Some businesses weren’t happy with the closure, while some residents weren’t happy when it ended and visitors began to fill the beaches again.
“We had to say if you feel uncomfortable on the beach, go at a time when there are less people there,” he said. “The business community here has suffered, and the idea is to get them up-and-running again.”
It remains unclear how much local tourism will be able to make up for the loss of international travellers, as well as an abysmal spring. A busy July and August, due to cooped-up British Columbians exploring their own province, will help, but international travellers tend to spend more money, particularly on attractions and tours.
“(Local tourism) will help, but I don’t think it’s anywhere close to normal,” said Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C. “We’re off to a very late start.”
He encouraged British Columbians to try some new attractions, “not just the free stuff,” as they begin to explore the province again.