Travel Penticton is reworking their business strategy in attempt to attract locals to local businesses rather than attract tourists to Penticton due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Travel Penticton is responsible for the marketing of Penticton as a travel destination to markets across B.C., Alberta, the rest of Canada and the Pacific Northwest. However, with travel virtually restricted in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19 they are now shifting their marketing to local audiences, something they call, “real-time, community-focused” marketing.
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Travel Penticton said in a release they are encouraging residents to re-discover and re-connect with the community and the many activity options available throughout the area.
They suggest activities such as cycling or walking the KVR Trail, re-connecting with your immediate family, heading outdoors and experiencing places around the city.
Travel Penticton is also promoting businesses who are still offering services including restaurants still open but offering significant distance between patrons, or delivery services and take-out options.
In an effort to find out which businesses are still active, Travel Penticton is asking local businesses to share their status on social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram and use the #visitpenticton tag to reach the community.
“Now is a critical time for the tourism industry. Penticton relies on tourism as a significant driver to our City economy,” said Thom Tischik, executive director of Travel Penticton.
“Our team is committed to preserving the economic well-being of tourism in Penticton, and starting with locals supporting our businesses was the logical decision.”
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