Outside patio dining and staying a night in a local hotel are being pushed as ways residents can support local during ongoing travel restrictions. (submitted photo/Tourism Nanaimo)

By Alex Rawnsley

EXPLORE NANAIMO

‘There are some really awesome experiences right here:’ plans on for modified tourism season

Apr 24, 2021 | 10:05 AM

NANAIMO — You should plan to visit, but just don’t come right now.

It’s the mantra local tourism operators are continuing as a third wave of COVID-19 takes hold in B.C., causing further uncertainty for restaurants and destination businesses on the mid-Island.

Jenn Houtby-Ferguson, interim director of Tourism Nanaimo, told NanaimoNewsNOW all their external marketing efforts are on pause but work continues to push the region to local residents.

“It is safe to go and dine on a patio, it is safe to go and stay in one of our hotels in our community. The getaway is within our own community, within our health boundaries but it continues to help and support the tourism sector.”

The hyper-local focus for Tourism Nanaimo is a result of little movement upstream.

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Outlets such as Tourism Vancouver Island, DestinationBC and Destination Canada have long-paused their efforts to encourage travel.

“This pandemic has taught us there are some really awesome experiences right here in our own backyard and we now have the opportunity to explore,” Houtby-Ferguson said.

“I think we’re re-thinking the way we can experience travel, attractions and…then we’ll be ready for people to welcome and invite their friends and family when the time comes.”

Across Canada, the tourism and hospitality sector faces a $19 billion shortfall, with around 150,000 jobs either gone or in jeopardy.

Locally, the tune is much the same with many tourism operators and restaurants facing a budget crunch. Bills and wages continue to mount however the income is a fraction of what it was 18 to 24 months ago.

Optimism in the industry of a somewhat normal summer is there. Destination Canada will resume marketing the country overseas beginning in May.

“That to me was a positive indication that they remain hopeful, as do we, that there will be a tourism season this summer. It may look a little different, it may look like we don’t have international visitors but I remain hopefully that we will be able to welcome British Columbians to the Island and Nanaimo this summer.”

Cornerstone events of the mid-Island summer such as the Parksville Beach Festival have cancelled for 2021.

The Silly Boat Regatta and Nanaimo Marine Festival are reviewing their scheduled events in late-July.

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