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By Dylana Kneeshaw

SPRING TOURISM

Kamloops tourism operators hit with wave of cancellations as travel restrictions kick in

Apr 23, 2021 | 4:39 PM

KAMLOOPS — Golf, wine tours — pretty much any staple summer activity that draws visitors to Kamloops has dealt with a steady stream of cancellations this week.

Tobiano’s Head Golf Professional, Shannon McGeady says it’s an unfortunate situation, but these protocols are what is needed right now.

“We took a hit. It was a little shocking and sad, but like I said, it’s what we need to do right now to make sure that we can still continue to do these things in the future.”

With outdoor recreation more popular than ever, Tobiano had been preparing for another busy summer of golf. Safety measures were in place, and groups had been booked to golf a safe distance apart. However the announcement of travel limitations brought hundreds of cancellations.

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Usually there are plenty of visiting Albertans looking to warm up in B.C over spring, but McGeady says those tee times have been postponed.

“We can still accept those people from Kelowna and from the Kootenays and whatnot. We’re hoping that they want to come and experience Tobiano and all that it has to offer.”

Wine tour companies such as DiVine Tours were already being careful with the size of groups they booked (six people), and now the tasting trips will be kept to regional residents only.

Owner Terri Axani says she’s confident tours will return at some point, and is hopeful to have those bookings for winery harvest season in September and October.

“Sadly we had to cancel quite a few that were scheduled in the next five weeks, but people understand for the most part,” she said.

Tighter travel rules aren’t ideal for an industry that survives on visitors but with current transmission rates, operators knew changes would be coming.

“It was certainly time to do something, so I’m hoping this circuit breaker will be enough to allow us to go on with the full season, and everyone in tourism feels the same.”

There’s been a large push for residents to support local to get businesses through this period and Tourism Kamloops CEO Beverley DeSantis says potential summer visits will be crucial.

“Traditionally in Kamloops, half-a-billion dollars of economic benefits comes into our community. Through COVID, we’re down to about one-third of that now.”

Those in the tourism industry have been dealt a difficult hand, but know a few restricted weeks could mean safer months ahead. DeSantis says people shouldn’t be looking for ways to get around the rules, but buckle down and do what they can to curb virus spread.

“If we behave ourselves, if we really lock down ourselves for the next five weeks, hopefully we can save our summer and these conversations will be a thing of the past.”