Budget 2021 supports tourism sector

Apr 22, 2021 | 4:20 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – It’s the budget week for our Province. B.C.’S slogan for the budget is: ‘Budget 2021 supports people now while building the foundation for a strong recovery.’ However, we are still smack dab in the middle of a pandemic, riding a very strong third wave.

The Province announced $120 million for the tourism sector, which is helpful, but, with restrictions extended until the May long weekend, Tourism PG says there’s a long road ahead for the Province and our City.

“If we look at that from a Prince George perspective, we know that we’ve lost at least $21 million,” said Chief Executive Officer Tracey McBride. “We realize that the full global recovery to where we were at in 2019, probably will not be realized for the full international perspective untill 2026.”

The funding includes grants to help prepare for future visitors through new tourism infrastructures like trails and airport improvements.

Prince George-Valemount Liberal MLA Shirley Bond says the tourism sector asked for $680 million in supports from this government. Two budgets later, she points out they have received less than half this amount. And according to many here in the Province, Tourism businesses are going into their second summer with little to no support from this government.

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“We have seen a lot of dithering when it comes this file, the tourism sector is essential and critical to the economy of British Columbia, so we need the government to pay attention and to actually start to deliver the kind of resources that the sector needs,” said Bond.

But, McBride, who remains optimistic, says the community has really worked together. She also says it’s critically important from a local perspective as they’re our best ambassadors.

by Randi-Marie Adams

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Budget 2021 supports tourism sector

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