We understand and empathize with the recent concerns raised about Vancouver Island being a magnet for Canadian snowbirds this winter.
It is a balancing act. There seems to be a false notion that the Tourism Vancouver Island and British Columbia Hotel Association campaign was created to invite more travellers to the island.
It is, in fact, about educating the visitors already choosing to come.
As B.C. and Vancouver Island residents, we understand these concerns. We are in a pandemic. We have friends and families here. We don’t want to jeopardize anyone’s health, including our own.
Canadian snowbirds coming to Vancouver Island have supported the region’s tourism industry for decades.
As the Nov. 5 editorial “We shouldn’t invite tourists to our island during a pandemic” pointed out, this year the demand is stronger than ever, with many Vancouver Island tourism…