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Paddle boarders on Kalamalka Lake. (submitted photo/Tourism Vernon)
$1 million dollar marketing budget

Vernon Tourism ready to tap pent-up travel demand

Jun 16, 2021 | 1:00 PM

With the easing of travel restrictions between health authorities in B.C., local tourism marketers are ready with a nimble plan to target those people that might want a getaway in the North Okanagan.

Industry experts are predicting the demand for in-province travel experiences will be significant this summer with the Okanagan one of the predicted hot spots.

Tourism Vernon has ramped up its marketing efforts.

“Marketing safely and responsibly remains a priority for the city, and our tourism team will continue to target audiences in accordance with Public Health Orders and the current allowances under the BC Restart Plan,” Christy Poirier, City of Vernon Communications and Grants Manager, said. “That being said, Vernon’s tourism businesses are ready to welcome visitors and Tourism Vernon intends to capture our market share of the pent up demand for travel.”

Earlier this year Vernon Tourism unveiled a nearly $1 million marketing plan that would be able to react quickly to changing health orders and the re-opening of the economy.

As for the ongoing Canada-U.S. border closure, officials from both countries are said to be discussing how to eventually lift that restriction, amid growing pressure to do so from U.S. and Canadian business leaders.

Non-essential travel has been banned at land border since March 2020. The current restriction is set to expire June 21.

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