Penticton Tourism braces for COVID-19 impacts

Travel Penticton is getting ready for the negative impacts expected as the COVID-19 virus continues to spread worldwide.

“The COVID-19 situation is very fluid right now and the situation can change almost daily,” Travel Penticton executive director Thom Tischik said in an email today, March 6.

Tischik attended the Visitor Services Network and Tourism Industry of B.C. Conference this week where a panel of experts, including a medical professional, provided advice for the B.C. tourism industry.

“The word from the conference speakers is the situation is very concerning and the effects will be challenging to the tourism industry for several months. Communication of accurate information is key and Travel Penticton will offer key information and links to our membership,” he said.

He said his organization will be polling members next week to find out the situation regarding bookings and cancellations, and will be in regular contact with some of the region’s key event organizers.

“For opportunities, we will continue to focus on our regional markets in B.C. and Alberta for rubber tire traffic. The reality is competition for visitors may increase,” Tischik said when asked if a potential fall-off in international air traffic might present new opportunities at national and local levels.

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