â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Misinformation impacting tourism operators unaffected by wildfires

Destination BC says they’re are trying to minimize negative impact to tourism operators who are outside of fire zones.

“Obviously, we’re seeing cancellations in the emergency areas but there are also businesses that have been impacted because of access issues like highway closures, and then there are those that have been affected because of misinformation leading people to believe that an area is under fire or that there are air quality issues,” says Maya Lange, vice president of global marketing.

“Only 10% of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Coast area is in a wildfire situation that still means there is a vast area that’s still available to travel.”

Lange says, although Vancouver Island is seeing an uptick in tourism, it has not offset the volume of cancellations for other operators, including the Thompson-Okanagan and Kootenay-Rockies. The majority of cancellations are coming from BC residents and Albertans.

Destination BC will be increasing their annual Explore BC marketing program with print, TV, billboards, and social media to communicate that the province is open to explore and where to get accurate information.

She says, from a recovery perspective, they will ensure that impacted areas receive additional marketing support once it is safe to visit and capacity has been established.

“We are extremely proud of the business owners in the affected areas. During these trying times, they are rising above and beyond providing outstanding levels of service and noble acts from hosting stranded visitors on extended vacations to housing and feeding the work crews at all hours of the day.”

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Shannon Waters
Shannon Waters
Raised in Victoria, educated in Vancouver at UBC and BCIT, Shannon moved to Prince George as a reporter in 2016. She is now the News Director for Vista North.

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

<p>

- Advertisement -
</p>

Latest News

Some Northern Interior Health Unit services moving next year

Northern Health's Northern Interior Health Unit (NIHU) will be making a move in spring 2026.  According to Northern Health, the current NIHU building will be deconstructed after the move to make space for the tower. 

Traveling with pets? Keep them secured, says ICBC and BC SPCA

ICBC and the BC SPCA are reminding drivers of the importance of keeping four-legged passengers secure this summer. 

Darin’s Sports Shorts; Saturday, July 5th

A recap of yesterday's sports.

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

Single Rollover in Quesnel Claims Life of One Man

RCMP found a 61-year-old man unconscious in the driver’s seat of the SUV. Police and paramedics on the scene attempted life-saving measures, but the man tragically succumbed to his injuries, and police were unable to resuscitate him.
- Advertisement -