Destination Campbell River is getting some help from the provincial government.
It’s one of 59 community destination marketing organizations (DMOs) receiving part of a $10-million grant from the province.
Just over $65,000 was given to the organization to help with any financial loss due to COVID-19.
“In our case, it really allows us to continue our momentum,” says executive director Kirsten Soder. “This has been probably the most challenging situation that any of us will face in our careers.”
DMOs are not-for-profit organizations that promote tourism to their regions.
They rely on funds generated by the municipal and regional district tax, which is charged to visitors at hotels and other types of accommodation.
“In light of no one travelling in our spring season, there’s been a big gap for those of us that are tasked with making sure our community is being well represented to visitors,” Soder says. “It was a very welcome cash injection when times are pretty lean for us.”
According to Soder, the relief funding is allowing her team to stay connected to the local business community while also making sure Destination Campbell River has a strong presence and connection to residents.
“It just really helps us with our communication efforts and ideally when we do start paid promotions again, we have a buffer that will make things that much easier.”
She says she’s been in a state of “suspended animation” waiting for provincial health orders to change.
“We knew what was coming, we knew what phase one looked like. Now that we’re in phase two, we definitely have our eye on the prize of early June having an announcement that the province will move to phase three of reopening.”
Soder adds that “it’s super busy right now, understandably.”
“Everybody’s trying to source what they need in order to reopen. We’re just really trying to support them in that.”
