The arrival of the hot weather this week, has without a doubt marked the start of this year’s Vancouver Islan visitor season.
It can’t be emphasized enough how important the tourism business is to the Island economy. For many small tourism-based businesses, the strong summer season helps fund the lean winters.
It’s graduation time, and that means young men and women will be looking for a way to earn money to save for tuitions and the like for the future. Tourism businesses provide a way to do that as the season peaks for most in the summer months. There are many in the industry that are afforded year-round employment through the tourism industry.
Luckily, we have enjoyed lots of visitors the past few years, with numbers of stays steadily rising. Operators this summer don’t see a lot of reason to think that this year will be any different.
The price of gas has generated lots of talk this year, but that could keep lots of folks closer to home and that means more travel within B.C.
Real estate sales are still strong although inventory is down from the past few years. The local market sees lots of interest from other areas of B.C. and Alberta while on holiday, especially those looking to retire on Vancouver Island.
We are all ambassadors of the area. Whether tit is wtching the waves pound on the rocks in Tofino, capturing photos of the goats on the roof in Coombs, enjoying a meal in Victoria’s inner Harbour, or sunbathing on Rathtrevor Beach. Let’s make sure we leave visitors to our area them with the best impression of us as we can.
It’s easy to fume when folks are circling round trying to figure out where they are going, but we’ve all done that right? So, let’s resist the temptation to honk the horns, wave the hands, etc., and instead leave 15 minutes early and expect to get back 15 minutes later. See someone looking at a map pointing quizzingly; offer directions or advice.
One could assume that we’ve been doing OK in this area, as folks keep coming back and we can assume they’re telling their friends about us. They have come to enjoy what we take for granted everyday.
Let’s be the best ambassadors of summer we can be.
— Parksville Qualicum Beach News