The other day I noticed a yard maintenance crew from Alberta mowing and raking a neighbour’s lawn. As I ran by, I mumbled to myself
go home
followed by
what are you doing here
? I was somewhat surprised by my reaction because normally I would welcome visitors whose vehicles were adorned with Alberta plates. But not this time. As I continued my run, I wondered, 'did these guys not get the message about staying away?'
To be fair, the crew may have moved here well before COVID-19 took hold. Or, for all I knew they were part of the homeowner’s immediate family. Regardless, part of what really bothered me was this whole notion of telling people not to visit British Columbia, especially our good friends from other parts of the country.
When you’ve spent the better part of your career encouraging people of all nationalities to visit and enjoy this incredible province, you almost feel like a turncoat by posting a giant no vacancy sign at the borders. It simply goes against every fibre in your body.
Similarly, it’s hard to get your head around the messaging from Destination British Columbia and virtually all of the community and regional destination marketing/management organizations effectively telling visitors to stay away (for the time being). Yet, as unconventional as it is, it’s the message all of us need to drive home in spite of the fact our industry is hurting in the worst way.
Every time I see Dr. Bonnie Henry’s news conference, I am reminded of the expression,
short-term pain for long-term gain,
which applies to all kinds of scenarios including this one. Abiding by the directives from the provincial chief medical health officer now could help the visitor economy bounce back a little more quickly than anyone anticipates.
Recognizing that it’s incredibly hard to keep the doors closed, stop marketing, welcoming visitors and pursuing recreational activities, it behoves all of us in tourism to set the tone and go against our natural bent. If that means avoiding parks, trails, beaches, and other public areas where many people tend to congregate, then so be it.
Even introverts like me can’t stand being away from all the amazing places and people that make up this province. And as tempted as I am to enjoy our super natural environment this long weekend, I will endeavour to heed the call by Dr. Henry and our DMO friends and stay close to home or away from public areas where social distancing is impossible.
Forgive me for lecturing. Usually it’s none of my business what others do. However, this time it is everyone’s business to ensure individually and collectively we’re doing our part to flatten the curve. And if that means telling others to stay away or go home, then that’s what we need to do.
I’m really hoping that by the next long weekend in May, I’ll be excited to see cars with Alberta plates once again even if they have Oilers stickers on their bumpers.
Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
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