For Immediate Release

June 4, 2020 – Tourism Kamloops issued a resident sentiment survey last week seeking insights pertaining to visiting local businesses and welcoming visitors back to Kamloops.  The online survey was shared on Tourism Kamloops and Golf Kamloops social media channels and promoted on Kamloops This Week’s website and newspaper. 

Since COVID-19 travel restrictions were imposed in mid-March, Tourism Kamloops has been closely following the direction of the Provincial Health Officer as well as tourism industry intelligence provided by Destination BC and Destination Canada.  The announcement of BC’s Restart Plan Phase 2 expanded social interactions and allowed for employers to welcome people back to work.  This phase has seen the reopening of non-essential businesses under new guidelines and processes.  Gathering resident sentiment helps to inform COVID-19 recovery operations and promotion for Kamloops businesses and the Kamloops tourism economy. 

“The opinions expressed by Kamloops residents are an important consideration as we make plans to welcome visitors back,”, states Beverley DeSantis, Tourism Kamloops CEO. “As much as we would like to launch marketing campaigns to inspire our target markets to travel to Kamloops, we are mindful and cautious to maintain the health and safety of our community. Our community is a priority and understanding our resident sentiment is essential to informing our next steps.” 

The survey garnered overwhelming response. 948 responses were received from May 26th to 28th.  Respondents answered 16 questions asking resident comfort levels of visiting Kamloops businesses, expectations of Kamloops businesses to limit the spread of COVID-19, importance of supporting local businesses and sentiment towards welcoming visitors back from nearby communities, from across British Columbia, from other provinces, from the United States and from other international countries. 

“The survey results have delivered important insights and guide our marketing strategies to align with proposed next steps outlined in BC’s Restart Plan.  Our residents provided thoughtful and eloquent feedback in the open comments section,” adds DeSantis.  

Notable resident comments: 

  • “Let’s protect our community before worrying about letting others in.”  
  • “I would be encouraging people in the immediate region to visit Kamloops on day trips right now, unless the situation improves drastically.” 
  • “I think we should allow restaurants to move out into sidewalks and other areas so that they can increase their capacity while maintaining distance. Our wonderful local businesses will not survive if we don’t make some accommodations for them. I love going to restaurants, but I am nervous about it.” 

Survey Results at a Glance:   

  • As restrictions relax, 96% of Kamloops residents feel it is important to support local businesses. 
  • 74% of Kamloops residents would welcome visitors from nearby communities while only 8% would welcome visitors from the US or other countries. 
  • 64% of Kamloops residents are planning to travel within BC this summer. 

Full survey results are available at www.tourismkamloops.com/industry/partners/research/ 

 

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Media Contact: 

Beverley DeSantis, CEO 
Tourism Kamloops 
250.517.9094 | bev@tourismkamloops.com