Though the Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway is refilling with people out for a stroll, many of the shops remain closed. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

resiliency

Nanaimo tourism businesses struggling with debt as B.C. Association pushes for nearly $700 million

Jul 22, 2020 | 5:26 AM

NANAIMO — Mid island tourism businesses and operators aren’t expected to last the rest of 2020 without more financial help.

Anthony Everett, CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island, told NanaimoNewsNOW the good news of re-opening the province hasn’t amount to businesses getting back on their feet.

“Initially there might have been some bookings come in but I would say as summer has gone on, it’s less business than many had hoped for,” he said.

“Some of the tourism businesses on Vancouver Island haven’t even opened. In the ones which have, revenues are down in some places 75 per cent.”

Tourism VI is included in a coalition of tourism and hospitality businesses which presented a $680 million proposal to the province on Tuesday, July 21.

fire safety

'Install, test, replace:' smoke alarm safety top of mind for Nanaimo firefighters

7h ago

Island Intensity

Clippers lose hard fought battle 3-2 to Grizzlies

14h ago

road works

BC Conservatives promise 'grade separation' for 'dangerous and congested' Nanaimo Parkway

19h ago

It asked for the money to come from the $1.6 billion recovery package put forward by the federal government, equaling more than one-third of the entire amount offered.

“The government asked what it would take to help the industry, which is reflected in these numbers and the value it has for British Columbia,” Everett said.

With 19,000 tourism and hospitality businesses struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Everett said the amount equals roughly $25,000 per business.

“Everyone’s doing the best they can but our busy season is now. They’re going to need help getting through until next year.”

Money to Island businesses would be distributed through the resiliency program Tourism VI started in April.

The program assists business reopening safely and helps tweak marketing in a post-COVID marketplace.

Approximately 400 businesses on Vancouver Island are currently involved, with between 25 and 30 based in the Nanaimo area.

“While businesses are working so hard to keep their doors open and offer their services, we’re anticipating having more people engage with the program heading into the fall. Particularly if we get direct business support of some kind.”

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt