Sunshine Coast Tourism (SCT) has launched a campaign to encourage residents to explore their own backyards as the province begins to move toward the next phase of the government’s restart plan.
The new campaign encourages locals to “love where they live” and explore their own backyard, rediscover favourite places and activities, and support local businesses.
“The health and safety of our residents and community has always been the top priority as we’ve worked with local businesses and tourism partners to help them navigate the changing business environment and prepare to welcome locals and visitors as provincial travel restrictions are lifted,” stated SCT executive director Paul Kamon in a media release. “The Coast Love campaign is a hyper-local travel message consistent with directives from the provincial health officer that people explore their own communities and avoid non-essential travel at this time.”
SCT continues to simultaneously keep future visitors and travellers – from around BC and beyond – educated, informed, and inspired for when they can come visit again, when it is safe to do so and as per the direction from our provincial health officer, according to the release.
“All the visitor centres on the coast, Gibsons, Sechelt, Pender Harbour and Powell River are working together, coordinating their efforts and sharing best practices as they prepare to safely welcome BC travellers again,” SCT board vice president Christine Hollmann told the Peak.
At the outset of the pandemic, SCT put its national and international marketing activities on hold, and shifted to an “Explore the Sunshine Coast…Later” message, according to the media release.
SCT stated it is now “helping guide the safe path forward from COVID-19 to Coast Love.”
SCT has also been working with the BC Tourism Resiliency Network.
“Many tourism businesses still need help with everything from financial support and marketing to understanding WorkSafeBC requirements in order to reopen,” stated SCT.
Local tourism businesses can find out more about the tourism resiliency network at tourismresiliency.ca or by calling 1.855.722.9036.
