Finding New Ways to Assist Tourism Stakeholders

It is hard to believe that we are almost at the midpoint of August and more than halfway through summer. The heat can still be intense, but there are moments when it is clear we are slowly edging toward cooler nights, chillier mornings, and while fall may not yet be in the air, it is also not far off.

Summer has been much different this year as we are all too aware. While some businesses have flourished, the effects of COVID-19  continue to dramatically and adversely affect much of the tourism industry. As our research data and surveys indicate, visitation to the Thompson Okanagan is still down over 30% compared to last year, restaurants while busy are running at 50% capacity, and business insolvency continues to be in the range of 21% and climbing.

The Provincial and Federal support programs have been vital in keeping the tourism industry going through during the economic challenges of the past five months; however, this support will be even more critical as the year continues. Despite the brief summer reprieve, the losses, for the most part, are far greater than the gains, and many are unable to find a way through.

TOTA is continuing to provide information to the government on industry needs, highlighting concerns, challenges, and gaps that you have communicated to us directly.

We have also developed partnerships and opportunities to further address your expressed needs. The most recent program, announced last week is the THOMPSON OKANAGAN TOURISM MICRO LOANS initiative. Our Tourism Resiliency Program Advisors are assisting in coordinating this effort through the Community Futures offices in the Thompson Okanagan and can assist you in determining your eligibility for this funding.

To learn more about the new flexible Micro Loans available to Tourism Stakeholders in the Region, please connect with us through the Tourism Resiliency Program by registering online at TourismResiliency.ca/TOTA or register by phone by calling 1-877-431-8489 (ext 8).

The coming weeks, months, and years will present new and different challenges as we move into fall and winter, and our team at TOTA will continue to look for new ways to provide assistance. If you have any questions, feel free to connect with the TOTA team at recovery@TOTABC.com.

- Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO