Tourism Squamish will receive $70,400 as part of the $10-million grant from the province to support tourism marketing organizations.
The fund was announced on May 25 as a way to support 59 B.C. community-destination marketing organizations (DMOs) severely impacted by COVID-19.
Squamish made the cut as one of the 59.
Organizations like Tourism Squamish rely on money from municipal and regional district taxes or MRDT, which are charged to visitors by hotels and the like.
"The funds are meant to be used to address the severe impact caused by pandemic-related travel restrictions. We are anticipating a 60% to 80% decline in MRDT for the 2020 year so the grant is a welcome relief and the funds will help us retain our core team in preparation to welcome visitors back to Squamish when it is safe to do so," said Lesley Weeks, executive director of Tourism Squamish in an email to The Chief Tuesday.
Weeks said the organization was forced to close the Visitor Centre and Gift Shop at the Squamish Adventure Centre, which meant laying off 70% of its staff over the last three months.
"Given the drastic decreases in forecasted MRDT, we will be operating at reduced capacity this summer season," she added.
Summer forecast
Weeks said looking forward to a very different summer, due to the pandemic, Tourism Squamish will continue to support Squamish-based tourism businesses as they adapt and modify for re-opening.
The organization is part of a partnership with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and the District of Squamish, among others, that is promoting a #here4squamish campaign that includes sharing stories of how Squamish businesses are adapting to the new realities, as well as providing free physical distancing floor stickers and ensuring businesses have access to relevant COVID-19 resources, Weeks said.
Once Phase 3 of reopening is approved by the provincial government, Tourism Squamish will be launching an #ExploreSquamishResponsibly campaign, that will include COVID-19 messaging and guidance that will also ask visitors to town to consider their responsibilities to "tread lightly, act kindly and explore mindfully."
"We will be encouraging Squamish locals and B.C. residents to explore Squamish, take ‘staycations’ and support local businesses in the Squamish area.... Squamish is very fortunate for its amazing variety of outdoor experiences, many of which allow for physical distancing. This summer presents an opportunity for B.C. residents to discover a new activity or Squamish locals to try an activity they otherwise might not have including local tours and attractions right in their own backyard."
In 2018, tourism generated $20.5 billion in B.C., a provincial government release states.
