Looking to reduce the industry’s risks, and minimize adverse effects on tourists during emergencies, a Tourism Emergency Management Committee in British Columbia has released a new framework to help guide emergency management within the province. The framework seeks to provide structure for addressing key concerns of emergency management, focusing on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, while also supporting the province’s higher level emergency management planning.
The region’s tourism industry has been hit hard by disasters in recent years, with the pandemic overlapping wildfires, flooding, and heat domes, all of which placed stress on local businesses related to tourism. It is thought that the new framework should assist the industry in preparing for future events, and encouraging visitors with its consideration of their safety.
Says Melanie Mark, the province’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sports, “Every single person connected to the tourism industry demonstrated incredible strength and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis that prompted last year’s heat event, floods, and wildfires. Tourism operators and staff were unsung heroes during these difficult times as they pivoted quickly to realign their businesses and keep locals and visitors safe. Together, through the BC Tourism Emergency Management Framework, we are building a plan so we are prepared to strengthen the support of the unique needs of our locals and visitors during emergencies and continue to build back stronger by making our province even safer.”
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