The Premier says an advisory asking people to limit travel for essential reasons only could be lifted soon, to allow B.C.’s tourist communities to invite out-of-town guests.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting this week, John Horgan hinted at that move, as COVID-19 cases continue to decline in the province.
“Dr. [Bonnie] Henry wanted to wait for two incubation periods to make sure that the positive results that we’ve been seeing over the past number of weeks continue,” he said. “I think that we’re going to be hearing an announcement from government based on advice from Dr. Henry and her team, that internal travel can begin.”
Horgan says Destination BC has ‘am aggressive province-wide marketing plan’ which will be rolled out once health officials give the go-ahead. He previously encouraged people to book arrangements at their favourite place in B.C., noting however there was no guarantee they’d be able to get there.
“I think the likelihood of us traveling inside of B.C. is very, very high,” Horgan said. “I can’t wait to give the thumbs up to British Columbians to start moving around. It’s only a matter of time before we can say, lets go out an explore B-C. Lets make sure we’re supporting those small local businesses in every corner of the province.”
Local visitors won’t fill the gap left by the lack of international visitors: Horgan
On that note, Horgan says he knows that local tourists won’t be able to fill the gap in the sector left by the lack of Canadian and international tourists this summer.
He says he’s been talking to numerous stakeholders, noting its not just B.C. that is in the situation it is in right now.
“These are unprecedented times that require extraordinary measures by a whole host of people, not just in government, but in business, in civil society and right across the board,” he added. “And I do understand the impact that a lack of international travellers will have on the tourism sector, but I can’t wish those travellers to appear.”
While not expecting a return of international travellers anytime soon, Horgan says the province is constantly reviewing when international travel will be allowed. It is scheduled to be a part of Phase 4 of the restart plan, though it is not expected to kick in without a vaccine or community immunity.
“And I will not limit the border restrictions that are in place until such time that I can guarantee the public health of British Columbians, and I think tourist operators understand that, and British Columbians certainly do,” Horgan said.
“But I’m under no illusion, we will not be able to replace the countless travellers that come from the U.S. and internationally this summer.”
Some tourism-dependent businesses are concerned about the future as COVID-19 restrictions have been in place for almost three months. Horgan says he knows that some B.C. residents are reluctant to travel this year.
“Saying no to U.S. tourists is a very difficult thing to swallow, I absolutely understand that. But I think the public is behind me on this,” said Horgan. “We want to make sure our reopening is safe and if that means we have to help businesses in other ways, we’re absolutely prepared to do that.”
Horgan has already ruled out a regional easing of COVID-19 restrictions, noting that for now there is one plan to reopen every corner of the province at the same time.
