Image credit: CFJC Today

By Aaron Schulze

Tourism Preparation Post-Vaccination

Tourism Kamloops cautiously optimistic local tourism sector will be able to manage post-vaccination traffic

Mar 17, 2021 | 10:00 AM

KAMLOOPS – Kamloops expects to be ready for a bounce back in tourism when the COVID-19 pandemic recedes.

Scotiabank Chief Economist Jean-Francois Perrault said in an interview that B.C.’s tourism industry is poised for a strong recovery after COVID-19 vaccines become widespread.

However, Perrault noted the province’s tourism industry may not be able to match the demand once leisure travel across the country is safe.

In Kamloops, the loss of labour force amidst the COVID-19 pandemic provides a legitimate challenge post-vaccination.

Monica Dickinson, Tourism Kamloops director of industry relations and communications, said re-engaging with those same skilled and trained workers who were laid off or furloughed following B.C.’s State of Emergency will be crucial.

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Someone finally takes the lead in reducing plastics

2h ago

Week in Review

Week in Review: Week of Sept. 23

16h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Studies in accountability - or a lack thereof

Sep 27, 2024

“It’s a concern across all subsectors,” Dickinson said. “Whether it be the accommodation industry, food and beverage, or our attraction and tour operators. We’re really mindful of that transition back to peak tourism season. We’re definitely looking forward to a return to a normal tourism year, but we know we have a few more steps to get to that place.”

Dickinson said there are avenues to help reinforce the tourism sector. She said Tourism Kamloops has close connections with Thompson Rivers University’s adventure tourism and culinary departments to encourage students to stay in Kamloops and work in tourism jobs over the summer.

Along with student workers, Tourism Kamloops may connect with other organizations and look at cross training opportunities in various tourism subsectors.

“We are optimistic that Kamloops is exceptionally well-positioned once [Dr. Bonnie Henry] gives us the green light to welcome back non-essential travel to Kamloops,” she said. “Most of our industry partners have implemented really great health and safety protocols and have been very studious about making sure their COVID-19 safety protocols are visible and easily found. A big role we’ve had to play is helping to educate [tourists] about ‘know before you go’ and what our expectation is of visitors coming back to our community and engaging with our businesses and residents.”

Dickinson believes Kamloops’ outdoor scene – biking and hiking trails, golf courses, parks, and water areas – will provide the experiences that may be more accessible and safer than what a major urban attraction can offer.

The city’s tourism scene has room to grow to reach back to what Tourism Kamloops called a record-breaking year in 2019. Because of that, Dickinson is thankful to see support from the three levels of government. Such as Destination Canada and Destination B.C. providing funding for marketing initiatives, and Kamloops council approving patio expansion.

Until peak tourism season potentially arrives in the summer, Dickinson encourages Kamloops residents to explore the city and area, and support local businesses.

with files from The Canadian Press