Busy long-weekend a boon for hard-hit businesses

The BC Day long-weekend was a boon for tourism and hospitality businesses, with reports of full patios and dining rooms, and sold out ferries.

Hotels and attractions are also reporting an influx of tourists even as businesses continue to struggle finding and keeping workers. We expect this double-edged blend of increased vibrancy and staffing challenges will only increase after Canada re-opens the border on Aug. 9 to fully vaccinated travellers from the US.

The end of restrictions is welcome news but also comes as concerns grow over the Delta variant. It's now the most common strain of COVID and spreads quickly among unvaccinated populations. Fortunately, Greater Victoria has some of the highest immunization rates on the planet, with almost 90% of people 12 and up having had a first dose and almost 70% fully vaccinated. To ensure that trend continues, the province has launched a new campaign, Vax for BC, with initiatives such as today's Walk In Wednesday, where anyone in need of a first or second shot can show up without an appointment.

The Chamber applauds all of our members who are immunized, and we encourage everyone to share their vaccine photos. Don't forget to tag us and be a #ChamberChangeMaker!