B.C. tourism sector struggling after slow summer amid pandemic
Posted September 8, 2020 1:23 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — It’s been a slow summer for tourism in B.C., with even the most prominent attractions struggling to pay bills during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Vancouver Aquarium closed indefinitely on Monday due to a lack of funding related to the coronavirus.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge has also closed for October and November, with few visitors in the past few months.
READ ALSO: Last day Vancouver Aquarium open to public before shift to conservation
Walt Judas, with the Tourism Industry Association of B.C., said Tuesday operators around the province are feeling the stress.
“Well, they are quite desperate. This is their livelihood. It’s not only what they do for a living, but it’s their lifestyle. And they are really desperate to see some help.”
The industry has asked the province for $680 million to fund the tourism sector’s recovery.
“So 2019, our revenue was in the range of $21.5 million. As an industry, we might be a third of that by the time the year ends,” he said.
“So many people are in dire straights. They are really wondering where their next paycheque is going to come from.”
