Advocacy Update: Accommodation Travel Restrictions
As the fire fight continues in multiple areas of the Thompson Okanagan and BC, our hearts are with those evacuated and those that have lost their homes. We can't say enough about the amazing work of the firefighters and BC Wildfire Service, working together with numerous community fire departments from around the province.
Accommodators are providing ongoing updates on room availability to be shared with Emergency Support Service (ESS) Centres to coordinate room bookings for evacuees and first responders.
Having said that, we are also acutely aware that the Accommodation Travel Restrictions Order for Southern Interior areas up to September 4 has decimated the tourism industry in a critical time of the season, resulting in tremendous financial repercussions.
We all stand at the ready to support the evacuees but this need has not been realized. Presently, considering the evacuation requirements and available accommodations, we have a surplus available within Kelowna and West Kelowna. Although the fires' threat persists, the cooler temperatures and potential rain forecast offer some relief.
Over recent days, TOTA and the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) have actively engaged with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, advocating for a number of measures aimed at supporting tourism and hospitality businesses. We've presented a comprehensive overview of the on-ground situation, laying out the facts to facilitate an informed decision-making process.
On August 21, we formally urged the Tourism Ministry to have EMCR, Minister Ma, and the Premier to move forward with the following measures:
A safe and expedited lifting of the essential-only travel order, particularly in areas like Osoyoos, Oliver, Penticton, Summerland, Vernon, and Kamloops, where accommodation is not currently being fully utilized to support evacuation efforts.
A commitment from the Premier that financial relief will be explored to offset the substantial economic losses experienced by operators due to the implementation of the travel order.
We continue to meet with the ministries as the situation progresses.
We encourage you to share your insights and feedback by emailing Recovery@TOTABC.com so that we can bring your concerns to the government.
In the meantime, we are working to get the region open and operating again as quickly as possible, recognizing that the current and potential losses.
Kind regards,
Ellen Walker-Matthews
CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)