Province pledges to support tourism operators
Travel and accommodation orders will remain in effect for the Thompson-Okanagan region to free up spaces for frontline responders and evacuees, and B.C.’s premier would like operators of private accommodation to follow the intent of the order.
“For Airbnb, we are really asking them to take the same approach as we are asking commercial hotels to take, which to have understanding and not travel to the area, not to be tourists in disaster areas of the province,” Premier David Eby said today (Monday).
The fires have resulted in the cancellation of numerous events and impacted local tour operators and tourism-related events.
“In terms of support for the tourism sector, absolutely we’ll be supporting the tourism sector as they are facing significant impacts. One of the immediate realities is though, that hotel rooms that are coming available are being snapped up by the province for firefighters and people who have been evacuated from their homes,” Eby stated.
The province is working closely with the hotel association and hotel owners to make the transition.
“This enables us to have a tight link between the accommodation becoming available and moving someone in right away, so we can get them out of a gymnasium, community centre or whatever, and at least into a hotel room,” Eby added.
Officials say the boundary for tourist travel should be Revelstoke, while travel is again being permitted in the south east of the province. People are asked to be mindful of changing conditions and alerts should any new fires start in those regions.
Under the travel order, which is in effect until Sept. 4, 2023, people may not stay in temporary accommodations for non-essential purposes in Vernon, Kelowna-West Kelowna; Kamloops; Oliver; Osoyoos and Penticton.This includes hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds.
Essential travel activities include:
- providing emergency or critical services
- sheltering for evacuees
- travelling for health or medical reasons
- transporting essential goods and supplies
- attending court or complying with a court order
- attending a funeral service
- avoiding the risk of abuse or violence
- exercising parental responsibilities
- moving or assisting with moving to a different principal residence
- carrying out a temporary work-related purpose, including volunteer work
- attending classes or training
- exercising an Aboriginal or Treaty right