Businesses in Kelowna impacted by wildfires and travel restrictions
Businesses in Kelowna that rely on visitors are experiencing the effects of ongoing wildfires and travel restrictions imposed on the region. The province urged people to leave the Central Okanagan to accommodate evacuees and emergency crews, causing visitors and tourists to quickly disappear.
Gurpreet Kaur from Kelowna’s Pita Pit expressed concern about the impact on their business, stating that they believe visitors will return next year, but this summer will be challenging. Both Pita Pit and Quails’ Gate Estate Winery heavily rely on tourism, particularly in the peak month of August.
Angela Lyons, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Quail’s Gate, stated that tourism is critical for their business and that they initially focused on ensuring the safety of their employees. However, they have now shifted their efforts towards supporting the community. Despite a drop in sales, both businesses are providing food for firefighters, emergency support staff, and volunteers.
Lisanne Ballantyne, CEO and President of Tourism Kelowna, acknowledged the seriousness of the wildfire situation and the need for travel restrictions to protect the community. She mentioned that these restrictions significantly impact the $2.1 billion tourism industry in the region, especially during August, which is typically a busy month for tourism.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association echoed these concerns, stating that the wildfires have decimated the last part of their summer season. The loss of these three important weeks will make it challenging for businesses to survive during the winter.
Although travel restrictions have been lifted in the Southern Interior, the ongoing smoke and fires continue to have significant effects. Various events and shows have been cancelled, including two shows by Sarah McLachlan. While many hotels are accommodating emergency workers and evacuees, the industry believes there is enough space to invite tourists back.
Ingrid Jarrett, President and CEO of the B.C. Hotel Association, highlighted that rooms have been secured for evacuees and now it’s time to consider regions like Kamloops, South Okanagan, Summerland, Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos, and Kelowna for marketing tourism experiences. Despite the lifting of restrictions, the province continues to urge people to avoid communities still in crisis due to fires.
The provincial government has promised support for the industry, but details of that support remain unclear.+
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