Sunshine Coast Tourism (SCT) is preparing to reopen the Visitor Information Centres in Sechelt and Gibsons and has launched a campaign to encourage Coasters to explore their own backyards as the province begins to move towards the next phase of the government’s restart plan.
At the outset of the pandemic, SCT put its national and international marketing activities on hold, and shifted to an “Explore the Sunshine Coast…Later” message.
In a June 12 release, SCT said it’s now “helping guide the safe path forward from COVID-19 to Coast Love.”
The new campaign encourages locals to “love where they live” and explore our own backyard, rediscover favourite places and activities, and support local businesses.
“SCT continues to simultaneously keep future visitors and travellers – from around B.C. and beyond – educated, informed, and inspired for when they can come visit again, when it is safe to do so and as per the direction from our provincial health officer,” the release said.
“The health and safety of our residents and community has always been the top priority as we’ve worked with local businesses and tourism partners to help them navigate the changing business environment and prepare to welcome locals and visitors as provincial travel restrictions are lifted”, said SCT executive director Paul Kamon.
“The Coast Love campaign is a hyper-local travel message consistent with directives from the provincial health officer that people explore their own communities and avoid non-essential travel at this time.”
Kamon also said that when the Gibsons and Sechelt Visitor Information Centres reopen, likely in July, the will have suitable precautions in place and staff will be promoting a “stay safe and travel responsibly” message.
SCT has also been working with the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, and seconded one of its staff members to work as a program advisor for the network.
“Many tourism businesses still need help with everything from financial support and marketing to understanding WorkSafeBC requirements in order to reopen,” SCT said in its release.
Local tourism businesses can find out more about the BC Tourism Resiliency Network at www.tourismresiliency.ca or by calling 1-855-722-9036
