Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport; Brenda Baptiste, chair, Indigenous Tourism BC; Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC; Ingrid Jarrett, president and CEO, BC Hotel Association; Anthony Everett, chair of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat; and Richard Porges, interim president and CEO, Destination BC, have released the following statement on the resumption of non-essential travel within B.C.:

“It’s an exciting time for British Columbians as we begin travelling again.

“People have been doing their part – getting vaccinated and following the rules – to keep each other safe and protect our communities.

“The hospitality and tourism sector have sacrificed so much in the fight against COVID-19. Now we’re encouraging British Columbians to say thank you by exploring B.C. this summer.

“Every dollar British Columbians spend at a local hotel, restaurant, attraction, experience or shop helps people and families, the tourism sector, our communities and our province create jobs, restart and recover.

“Since the pandemic began, the tourism and hospitality industry has done an amazing job implementing rigorous health and safety plans to keep its staff and visitors safe, and it will keep doing what’s required to keep the public and its teams safe.

“As we emerge from the pandemic and start our slow return to normal, people and businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector are excited to welcome British Columbians back to their communities and show visitors all our province has to offer.”

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