As many as 65 per cent of tourism-related businesses in Squamish say they have had cancelled bookings, according to a survey by Tourism Squamish.
A vast majority of them, 85 per cent of those surveyed, are already feeling the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, and 23 per cent have experienced a critical downward shift in revenue.
While 55 per cent say they have seen a decrease in business volumes, 65 per cent forecast a high impact on business.
Tourism Squamish conducted its first COVID-19 Tourism Indicator Survey between March 13 and 17.
“Even prior to the federal government advising of social distancing and working from home, COVID-19 impacts were already being felt amongst tourism operators in Squamish,” said Lesley Weeks, the executive director of Tourism Squamish.
Now Tourism Squamish has launched another survey to further gauge the impact the epidemic on local business.
Tourism Squamish will use this information to assist with recovery and share the findings with local, provincial and federal governments to advocate for government support and funding.
Tourism Squamish has also currently paused destination marketing activities until the time is right to welcome visitors back to Squamish.
“Globally, tourism has been one of the most impacted industries to date, and we understand the absolutely challenging nature many of our members are currently facing. We are in this together,” said Lesley Weeks.
In the coming few weeks and months, Tourism Squamish will focus on three things:
It will measure and communicate the impact to stakeholders and the government.
It will collect the best available tourism-specific information and share it with members and visitors.
It will use this time to plan a recovery.
Meanwhile, a second COVID-19 Tourism Indicator Survey is currently open for tourism-related businesses in Squamish.