Tourism PG worried about another smoky summer

PRINCE GEORGE – What will this summer hold for wildfires? That’s the question Tourism Prince George is asking these days.

This region’s tourism industry leans heavily on rubber tire traffic and outdoor experiences. But the wildfires of the past two summers have made some travellers leery.
CEO Erica Hummel says the fires and smoky conditions for the past two years means domestic travellers may opt to hit the road either before or after the wildfire season, which can make planning a challenge.

“So it’s really making it difficult for us to guess how many people are going to be the in the area, how many are going to be traveling in July and August because people are starting to see the trend and they’re putting their plans on hold or move them to erlier in the spring when they know there won’t be smoke or there won’t be a risk to  their homes.”

However, she adds those who plan trips for months and are travelling a long way typically push forward, though they may alter their destinations.