Tofino Island witnesses tourism cancelations

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Beaches in tourism communities on the west coast of the Tofino Island appeared quiet over the weekend with hoteliers busy rescheduling guests.

Tofino Mayor Dan Law said, “It’s had a dramatic effect. There are still people here from away, but the numbers are clearly lower.”

Law said that it’s clear that the latest travel orders — introduced in the midst of an increase in COVID-19 cases — have had more of an impact than previous restrictions, with traffic going to almost zero in the popular resort town.

The restrictions, issued on Friday, forbid luxury travel between Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and the Interior until after the May long weekend. People are also advised to stay at home as much as possible.

Law said that there is indeed an urgency to win over the virus and get vaccinated and there isn’t any “resentment” between locals and visitors as was witnessed in last spring and summer.

“We all have to do our part now because tourism is such an important part of our economy,” Law said.

Vaccine rollouts continue in smaller tourism-dependent communities, including Ucluelet and Tofino, where Law said that many in the community have already received their shots.

« Back to Page