Business Pivot Highlights during COVID-19
COVID-19 has changed the way businesses in the tourism industry operates, both in the short term and long term. Admittedly, adjusting to various new health guidelines and regulations has been challenging. However, businesses and organizations in the tourism sector have displayed a tremendous amount of initiative and creativity to provide their products and services to the communities they operate in.
While we cannot recognize every entity making remarkable adjustments during this time, over the coming weeks we would like to proudly present some of the most innovative and resilient efforts that have been brought to our attention.
Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber and Visitor Centre
The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber and Visitor Centre received a donation from Kohler Canada which allowed them to start a delivery service to greatly help businesses in their area who had been limited to offering take-out and delivery.
Okanagan Lifestyle
The team at Okanagan Lifestyle possess a strong e-commerce presence and a passion for connectivity in their community. Seeing an opportunity to help during COVID-19, Okanagan Lifestyle has created a hub on its website where local business owners can sell virtual gift cards.
On Alex
On Alex has partnered with Downtown Salmon Arm to create a Local Gift Box initiative. The collaboration sourced artisanal products from other local businesses in the Salmon Arm area to fill the boxes. The idea was well received as the boxes, sold on On Alex's online store, were gone in a week
CRIS Adaptive Adventures
CRIS hasn’t been able to operate their events or guided tours at full capacity, unfortunately. The need for adaptive equipment hasn’t disappeared though, so CRIS has pivoted to make equipment rentals available to the community! Enjoying the outdoors is one of the only recreation options available to our region right now, and CRIS is doing its part to make sure everyone can enjoy it.
Oliver Eats
Oliver Eats recognizes their community's desire for a quality dining experience so they have opened their doors with a number of measures taken to ensure patrons in the restaurant are comfortable and safe. Oliver Eats' biggest contribution is through the Hope Fund, where they provide a prepared meal for four to those in need with every $5 raised from the fund.
Over the coming days and weeks please look for more highlights on inspirational efforts we have noticed around our region. If you are a tourism operator or know of a tourism entity that has done an exceptional job in pivoting during COVID-19, please share their story with us at recovery@totabc.com.
