Friday June 19, 2020 ~ BC
by Mary Brooke, editor ~ West Shore Voice News
As we shift towards cautious encouragement of local travel in the upcoming Phase 3 of BC’s economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that travellers have timely, fulsome, and accurate information about tourism businesses that are open in their community, and around British Columbia, said Destination BC today.
Destination BC has provided “five things to do right now” to ensure that a tourism business’ online presence is up to date.
- Be up to date with Tripadvisor.
- On Google, mark your business as temporarily closed.
- Post a COVID-19 safety plan on your website.
- Edit your business listing with your local Community Destination Marketing Organization or tourism association.
- Update your social media channels to say how your business is responding to COVID-19.
BC news for hospitality industry:
The Province has approved a temporary wholesale liquor pricing model to support businesses like restaurants, bars and tourism operators with liquor licences—fantastic news for our industry. The program will be in place from the end of July 2020 until March 31, 2021, when it will be reviewed.
Reminder about CEBA:
Destination BC reminded businesses in a newsletter that as of June 19, more small businesses will be able to apply for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA). Meanwhile, today the revised CEBA online application with the new eligibility rules has been further postponed.
“The expanded eligibility rules will provide much-needed access to the capital many small tourism businesses in BC need to see them through the current challenges,” said Destination BC.