BC Tourism Task Force recommendations
In December 2020, the provincial Tourism Task Force, presented their final report to the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, Hon. Melanie Mark, with a series of recommendations for the immediate allocation of $50 million in funding to support the recovery of tourism businesses and enhance the tourism industry’s long-term competitiveness.
On Sept. 18, 2020, the B.C. Government appointed a Tourism Task Force to make recommendations for the immediate allocation of $50 million in funding to support the recovery of tourism businesses and enhance the tourism industry’s long-term competitiveness.
Their final report outlines the emergency funding needed now for the unique needs of the tourism industry in B.C. and more specifically, its businesses and workforce. The key objective of the task force was to preserve as many businesses and keep as many people connected to their jobs as possible.
Summary of Recommendations from the Tourism Task Force:
ALLOCATE EMERGENCY FUNDING NOW FOR BUSINESSES & THE WORKFORCE
Immediately match the $50 million with at least another $50 million
Allocate $5 million to Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC) for Indigenous tourism businesses
Allocate $95 million to an Emergency Fund for Tourism to bridge the gap until federal programs launch
ACCELERATE GROWTH & ENHANCE SUSTAINABILITY
4. Develop a safety certificate program for individuals working in tourism on COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
5. Prioritize innovative approaches to lifting travel restrictions
6. Defer/relieve fixed costs
INFORM A RENEWED STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
7. Opportunities to support mid-term recovery and long-term resiliency for the tourism industry in a post-COVID-19 context