Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism (Discover Comox Valley) is actively engaged with Destination BC (DBC), Tourism Vancouver Island (TVI) and Island Destination Marketing Organizations on a day-to-day basis in addressing and collectively responding to the COVID-19 issues. In addition to participating on the Island's Tourism Leadership Council weekly calls, we are also liaising with DBC on marketing measures, and monitoring impacts to Visitor Centres, including the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre (Comox Valley), which closed to the public effective this morning, now providing virtual visitor services & resources. Further, we are liaising directly with sub-sectors across the local tourism economy to support efforts to profile services and activities that are available, in step with health guidelines and government direction.

In addition to the COVID-19 Business Resource Centre we've established, Business Counts e-Newsletters you're receiving from us with updates COVID-19 business resources, we are providing the following messages the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, as well as Destination Canada released yesterday for your review - see below.

We recognize the incredibly challenging circumstances facing the industry, and are working to do our part to support this important sector, in step with the many amazing businesses, stakeholders and partners. Thank you for all your efforts and those of your teams during this difficult time.
A message to every Tourism business and community on behalf of Minister Beare
I want to start by thanking you for your leadership in this unprecedented situation. I know you are all working in extremely difficult and quickly-changing circumstances. The impacts of COVID-19 to the tourism sector will be significant and are already being felt.
 
During these trying times, I want to reassure you that the entire provincial government is working around the clock to protect people’s health and to mitigate impacts to people’s livelihoods. The priority continues to be on delaying, containing and preparing the province to minimize serious illness and economic disruption.
 
I’ve been in regular contact with tourism sector leaders and my federal counterparts to ensure they are aware of what is happening here in B.C. The federal government has assured us that there will be support for British Columbians who have been impacted by COVID-19. 
 
We are also working on ways to support businesses and organizations affected the most by the restrictions on travel and gatherings. I am speaking with my Cabinet colleagues daily so they are well informed of impacts to people and businesses in the tourism economy.

We also know tourism is one of the most resilient industries in B.C. and I have no doubt that we will come through this together. As an industry, we must start looking ahead now so that we can be ready for when the travel restrictions lift. We are having these discussions now within my ministry and across the sector. The latest information specific to the tourism sector is available through Destination BC:  https://www.destinationbc.ca/news/coronavirus-update/.
     
The government’s priority continues to be on delaying, containing and preparing the province to minimize serious illness and economic disruption. We must all do our part to prevent transmission of COVID-19 and I ask that you all follow the advice of the provincial health officer.
 
Finally, I want to take a moment to acknowledge that this is a stressful time for everyone. I encourage you all to take care of yourselves, your families and your friends during the difficult days ahead.
 
Sincerely,

Lisa Beare
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, responsible for Sport
A message from David Robinson, Interim President & CEO of Destination Canada
We know the tourism sector is facing uncertain times. We know that you are concerned about your business and day-to-day operations. We are too and we are here to help where we can.

We also know that our tourism sector has the ability to pull together as a team and face challenges with heart. Now more than ever, we must leverage the power of Team Canada to face this truly unprecedented challenge.

So, we are inviting you to a Visitor Economy webinar to share what Destination Canada knows, our approach moving forward and will provide information on federal support initiatives.

Destination Canada COVID-19 Update

When:  Friday March 20, 2020 at 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Speakers:  David Robinson, Interim President & CEO and other members of Destination Canada’s senior team; Business Development Bank of Canada; Parks Canada; Tourism Industry Association of Canada; and Tourism HR Canada.

Conference info:   https://zoom.us/j/161625424
Meeting ID: 161 625 424
Telephone: 
    Canada: +1 587 328 1099
  or +1 647 374 4685
  or +1 647 558 0588
  or +1 778 907 2071
  or +1 438 809 7799
    US: +1 312 626 6799
  or +1 346 248 7799
  or +1 646 558 8656
  or +1 669 900 9128
  or +1 253 215 8782
  or +1 301 715 8592
International:   https://zoom.us/u/apimslL1u

We will hold a short Q&A at the end of the webinar. As we expect a large number of participants on this webinar, please submit your questions via email to  webinar@destinationcanada.com  before Friday March 20 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Until then, we have compiled information on Destination Canada’s COVID-19 response and government services relevant for businesses  here .

David Robinson
Interim President & CEO, Destination Canada
Comox Valley COVID-19 Resources
& Business Impacts Survey
COVID-19 Business Resource Centre:
Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism is updating and maintaining a COVID-19 Business Resource Centre as information is released from all levels of Government and from numerous industry associations including Destination BC.  Click here  to view all links and resources and check regularly.

Comox Valley Business Impacts Survey:
As the situation continues to develop, it is presenting many challenges to local businesses, including the tourism and hospitality sectors. To understand and be able to communicate and support a response to these impacts, a  Comox Valley Business Impacts Survey has been launched -  click to complete the survey
Vancouver Island Visitor Centre, Comox Valley
visitorcentre@discovercomoxvalley.com | 3607 Small Road, Courtenay, BC | discovercomoxvalley.com