Tofino is showing itself to have the right mix of amenities and atmosphere to align with the Provincial Health Authority and Destination BC’s recommendations for people to travel to ‘open spaces with fewer faces’.    According to a recent unofficial straw poll of 11 resorts and vacation rental management companies, summer visitation is building although it remains significantly lower than in the peak years of 2017 – 2019 (see below).

 

 

 

 

While July and August bookings are better than initially expected, this may not necessarily translate to good revenues for everyone including local tour operators, guides and some lodges that rely on US and International travellers for a significant segment of their business.  We can all help them by encouraging our guests to book one of the many transformative experiences offered including whale and bear watching, fishing, kayaking, hiking, SUP/surf and more.

There is pent-up demand from the US and International markets for Tofino and so we expect that as COVID wanes and international travel is allowed, we will once again achieve the diverse visitor origin profile that Tofino’s tourism industry needs to flourish.  For now, we are very fortunate to be experiencing good summer bookings.

This is the result of the many years of hard work that businesses, organizations and the municipal government have spent to create the many exceptional guest experiences and services that allow for so many to access, appreciate, respect and love all that is Tofino.  During both good and bad times our fans trust that Tofino will be there for them, as we are now.

Congratulations to all of you for your tireless work to implement new safety protocols and to continually educate our guests about the need for them.   Your patience is certainly Tofino’s virtue and although we’re all handling some difficult situations, most of our guests are adapting to the new travel norm and are being respectful.   Below are a few tips to help your guests have positive experiences:

 

TIPS FOR HAPPY GUESTS DURING COVID-19:

1. Many of our restaurants have had to reduce their capacity.  In order to reduce guest concerns and frustrations, while ensuring our restaurants are maximized, encourage guests to:

    • make a reservation
    • call in a take-out order
    • plan to wait for take-out ordered in-person at the restaurant – explain that they should expect the same wait that they would when dining in (it’s the same menu and so is not fast food)
    • some restaurants will deliver – see ‘What’s Open’
    • use the two safe and clean dining tents located in the village centre for eating take-out meals.  Periodic entertainment and art installations are also offered.

2.  Utilize the Visitor Centre for rainy-day and child-friendly activity ideas – our travel counsellors are well equipped to help at 250-800-7380, info@tourismtofino.com or in person at the Tofino Visitor Centre

3. Shopping:

    • suggest that your guests do their shopping in the morning as stores are less busy
    • explain that many of our stores are small and so have limited capacity – waiting in line may be necessary

4. Groceries:

    • Co-op Food Store – is open for seniors (60+) every morning between 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
    • Co-op Food Store – remind your guests that only one person from each party is allowed in the Food Store so they are not surprised and can plan accordingly
    • Gaia Grocery is doing delivery – order online or call to place an order

5.  For a full list of ‘What’s Open’ go to:  https://tourismtofino.com/news/2020/03/17/covid-19-tofino-business-modifications-closures/

6.  Click here for more information about  Travelling to Tofino During COVID-19