QUOTES:
Vivek Sharma – Chair, Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia
“A travel ban would further heighten the unnecessary fears, misperceptions and growing resentment by BC residents toward visitors as a result of actions aimed at our industry. The spread of COVID-19 is not tied to where people live, but how people behave. There should be no reason why Canadians cannot continue to travel to BC if they are tested, know and follow the rules, as well as practice health and safety protocols outlined by the PHO and implemented by all businesses.”
Ingrid Jarrett – President & CEO – BC Hotel Association
“We implore the province not to pursue an outright travel ban that would cause undue hardship on businesses, the workforce and our province’s stellar reputation as a welcome and safe place to visit. While now is not the time to encourage non-essential travel, banning visitors from other parts of Canada sends a strong and false message that visitors are to blame for rising transmission rates. Conversely, we need to work together with government to convey the message that people visiting BC for whatever purpose must commit to our strict health and safety protocols.”
Royce Chwin – President & CEO, Tourism Vancouver
“Tourism and hospitality businesses have gone above and beyond the call to develop and implement government approved health and safety measures for the protection of customers and visitors, no matter where they’re from. We’ve not only abided by these measures, but in many cases exceeded provincial guidelines yet we’re the sector impacted the most by orders or proposed bans like this. The effect on workers, businesses and communities has been and will continue to be devastating. We do not need another blow to our sector when we’re barely surviving as it is.”
Nancy Small – CEO, Tourism Richmond
“As more countries, provinces, states and cities around the world open or prepare to re-open to non- essential travel, BC must work toward implementing the necessary steps to safely re-start the visitor economy and the industry. Potential travel bans, or even discussions about them, sets these initiatives back and will mean a longer struggle for our beleaguered businesses and the workforce. We need to work productively with all levels of government in the coming months to focus on the future and solutions that will allow us to welcome visitors again."
Paul Nursey – President & CEO, Destination Greater Victoria
“Cornerstone tourism businesses in Greater Victoria are at the point of despair. With the seasonality and timing of when the pandemic hit, most are now into their 15th consecutive month of operating at a financial loss. This can’t go on much longer. What is urgently needed is for industry and government to collaborate on a plan to re-enter the business of tourism and re-enter key source markets at an appropriate time. Additional restrictions such as these and ones placed at the last minute on New Year’s Eve, are financially ruinous. We believe that health and tourism leaders can work in parallel to achieve more than one outcome...a healthy British Columbia and also a competitive re-emergence of the
visitor economy.”
Media Contacts:
Laura Plant
Manager, Communications & Membership TIABC
778.788.3499
Kelsey Millman
Manager, Communications BCHA
778.994.2825
communications@bcha.com