Vancouver Island tourism numbers are back up, but staffing issues are still a problem

CHEK News
Passengers are seen aboard the MV Coho as it enters Victoria Harbour Thursday, May 26, 2022.

The cooler-than-normal spring weather doesn’t appear to have put a damper on tourism on Vancouver Island.

Greater Victoria tourism officials say the region has actually seen better-than-expected numbers of visitors this year, with some revenues reaching 2019 levels.

Hotels have been near capacity for weeks, with revenues approaching pre-pandemic numbers. This U.S. Memorial Day long weekend is certain to boost those numbers higher, according to Destination Greater Victoria CEO Paul Nursey.

“They’re very lucrative and high-spending and high-yielding visitors, and it’s important for our small businesses,” he said.

Meanwhile, the company that operates the Victoria-Seattle Clipper says sailings Friday and Saturday are fully booked, but there’s just one problem. A staffing shortage means they can’t meet rising travel demand.

“In a normal peak season, we’d be having two sailings during peak season, and unfortunately this year, we’re stuck to one sailing due to those staffing challenges,” said Scott Meis, vice-president of marketing for FRS Clipper.

Staffing shortages have become an issue across the entire tourism industry that’s finally seeing some light after two long years of struggle.

“We’re really starting to feel like it’s pre-pandemic in terms of all the activity. The revenues are up, customers are up, so the big challenge now is not lack of customers, it’s lack of staff,” said Jeff Bray, CEO of the Downtown Victoria Business Association.

As the industry grapples with that challenge, there are some other promising signs of a return-to-life for tourism. Some European travellers, particularly from the U.K. and Germany, are starting to return to B.C.’s capital.

It’s a step forward, but officials say it will still take years to recovery from the economic damage the pandemic has caused.

“Just because we’ve had a few good months doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods by any means, and certainly our businesses aren’t out of the woods,” said Nursey. “But we are seeing recovery and that is certainly heartening.”

Tourism officials are advising all travelers to book early, because all signs point to a busy few months ahead.

April LawrenceApril Lawrence

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