Feb 15, 2022
Letter to Premier John Horgan
Letter from Tourism Industry Association of BC
Dear Premier Horgan,
Today’s news about various restrictions being lifted was both welcome and deeply appreciated by the entire tourism and hospitality industry in British Columbia.
As you referenced in your remarks during the Industry Engagement Table call this morning, our sector has been extraordinarily hard hit during the pandemic. At the same time, we recognize and very much appreciate that the Province has responded with multiple support programs and measures to help tourism-dependent communities, operators, employees and destination marketing/management organizations, while also protecting the health care system and keeping BC residents and visitors safe. No doubt it’s been a delicate balance over the last 23 months and one that your government has managed extremely well.
On behalf of TIABC and our members and stakeholders, thank you for leading our province to the point where virtually all the restrictions have been lifted save for the necessary health and safety measures such as vaccine passports and masks.
In the days ahead we look to work closely with your government on messaging vis-à-vis travel to help rebuild consumer and resident confidence that it’s okay to travel again and that BC is indeed open to all fully vaccinated visitors, including those visiting for leisure purposes, as well as business. It’s especially critical that leaders and decision-makers like yourself, Dr. Henry and your cabinet colleagues are part of the communication efforts regarding travel while at the same time emphasizing the need to respect health and safety protocols and any other necessary measures required to allow us to return to and remain at so-called ‘normal’.
Premier, it is wonderful to see you ‘back-in-the-saddle’ so to speak and looking healthy and well.
Thank you again for your strong leadership, particularly over the course of the pandemic. As mentioned, we are sincerely grateful for the Province’s support of our sector and look forward to our continued work together in the months and years ahead. Thank you also for the specific acknowledgement of the tourism industry during today’s call.
Best Regards,
Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
778-953-0620
