Okanagan companies involved journey restrictions will restrict tourism

KELOWNA (NEWS 1130) – The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce raises concerns about new travel restrictions across BC as Okanagan businesses depend on tourism.

British Columbians have started their first week on the new order of travel, which prevents people from leaving their health zone.

Continue reading: BC restricts unnecessary travel until May 25th and fines for violations

Dan Rogers of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce says the rules the province put in place this week don’t focus on the real problem.

“One of the issues we raised with the province some time ago was taking into account regional… restrictions,” he says.

“If we look at what’s going on in the two major health regions on the lower mainland, the disease is more common than some places, and the interior is one of them. If we can [stay open] While the focus is on these hotspot areas, we believe this will help the economy and give people the opportunity to continue doing business. “

Rogers said some time ago that the board had suggested that the Department of Health restrict travel to areas with high transmission rates, “red zones”.

“We’re continuing this case. The data is there. And we think it’s a reasonable approach. But we haven’t heard from the government yet. “

Rogers adds that he is concerned that if the restrictions extend into the summer, the tourism industry will have great success.

“Small businesses have already been hit hard, and this is another blow to them. Until we find out the details, we don’t know how great these effects will be. But we know it’s going to be another tough question. “

Rogers calls on the provincial and federal governments to provide financial support to companies in these affected regions.

Rogers says 10 percent of businesses are on the verge of bankruptcy if restrictions remain in place.

“It’s also important to know that we are just as closely connected to the Albertans as we are to any other British Columbian. We want to focus … not on where people are from, but on what action they are taking and making sure they follow the guidelines there when they visit … If they come in and don’t follow the guidelines, they are not wearing their masks, they are don’t keep a physical distance – we don’t want to see them. “

However, if visitors follow the rules, Rogers says they’re welcome.

“We believe that we should not focus on where people are from, what license plates are on their vehicle, but how they behave and whether they are behaving correctly and respecting the guidelines.”