When can the tourists return?

Feb 19, 2021 | 5:20 AM

Tourism Vernon hosted a virtual industry conference on Thursday (Feb. 18) and the question on everyone’s mind was when will travel restrictions be lifted?

The short answer appears to be that the runners are at the starting line, waiting for the starter gun.

The keynote speakers included Ellen Walker-Matthews – VP Destination & Industry Development, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Kevin Poole – Manager, Economic Development & Tourism, City of Vernon and Nancy Flello – Senior Researcher, Destination British Columbia (DBC).

“We know this isn’t the beginning of the beginning, it’s the beginning of the end, but when that is, we don’t know.” Walker-Mathews said.

She talked about several TOTA and provincial plans including a new provincial rail trail site and numerous other planning initiatives.

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“We know the importance of research, we know the importance of communication and we know the importance of making sure the gaps are filled, so the industry will be healthy and well when it’s time to get into the full recovery.” Walker-Mathews said.

Vernon Tourism’s 2021 ‘Tactical Marketing Strategy’ will rely on being able to pivot to the changing landscape and was previously detailed in a Vernon Matters story in January.

Flello focused on DBC research and possible scenario for re-opening the province to visitors, noting several factors, including provincial and federal travel restrictions, the pace of vaccinations, peoples willingness to travel and B.C. residents willingness to welcome tourists.

Destination B.C. continues to map out scenario’s for the return of tourists;

	Travel within B.C.	Interprovincial travel	International travel
Optomistic	April 2021	July 2021	July 2021
Mid-range	June 2021	October 2021	October 2021
Pessimistic	July 2021	October 2021	January 20222

Local tourism operators were also asked to sum up what 2020 taught them in a word or two.

The responses included terms like; adaptable, creative, changes, nimble and think outside the box.

It wasn’t all sunshine and roses when things did rebound somewhat over the summer months.

“Prior to reopening I was under the illusion people would be kinder and more understanding after what everyone went through in the spring. I was dead wrong and found myself consistently disappointed in the behaviour of our guests.” David Gibbs, Vernon Prestige Lodge Manager said.

by Kevin Rothwell

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