Campgrounds (like Eiling Kramer) and lake shores have been the spot of vacation for most Saskatchewan residents this summer, which has been a plus for the Battlefords. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By Josh Ryan

Local vacation

Vacation interest remains in spite of pandemic

Aug 24, 2020 | 10:16 AM

The tourism sector has been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, but people are still trying make the best of what vacation possibilities are available.

Local tourism has picked up in the Battlefords region, according to Chamber of Commerce Chief Operating Officer Linda Machniak. The Chamber has a lot of people travelling through and making use of the picnic area by the chamber and various parks in the Battlefords. While there’s a drop off of international travellers, she said the strong local contingent is encouraging.

“People are trying to do those staycation things and travel within the province or just outside of the province or the region,” Machniak said.

Amidst the strong sales the real estate business has seen in 2020, one of the biggest sellers has been lake properties. People looking for other options for vacation are choosing cabins, trailers, RV’s and boating activities, which it allows them to stay near home, but still enjoy a distinct change of pace from routine. Machniak said this bodes well for the Battlefords.

“It’s certainly making this region attractive, based on our assets,” she said.

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With an increase in ‘staycations,’ or shorter-distanced vacations, also comes much needed revenue for businesses in other sectors. Local producers are seeing much more demand for locally grown fruit and vegetable produce.

There’s some local buzz for conventions being scheduled, though they would have to adhere to limited capacity. Until massive changes allow for hotels and event based facilities to see a pick up, Machniak said everyone must continue to do their due diligence.

“It’s incumbent on each individual business and sector to identify what’s best for them and how they can perhaps pivot their business or make it more efficient,” she said.

Time at the lake is becoming the go to vacation choice for many Saskatchewan residents. (Photo 101890885 © Pictureguy66 | Dreamstime.com)

Leslie Aimoe of Travel More with Les said she’s also seen a pickup in people are wanting to stay near home, but still enjoy their time outside during warmer months.

“There’s a lot of people who have chosen to spend time at the lake this summer,” Aimoe said. “Taking up those kind of attractions.”

After the lull in early spring during lockdowns, where the main activity was handling cancellations, Aimoe said she’s been fairly busy, with people inquiring when restrictions would lift and looking at spots in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

“There’s still quite a few people curious about trips,” she said. “Banff and Jasper have been huge destinations this summer. They want to enjoy what Canada has to offer, without having to go too far away.”

Aimoe said those communities have drawn people in with reduced staying prices as well.

“These places like Banff and Jasper want people to come there,” she said. “They want it to be affordable and they want to get the foot traffic in their communities.”

Some options for international travel have opened up, including Hawaii taking in Canadian travellers, so long as they have a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival. Anyone who had plans cancelled have all been issued travel credits, after the supreme court of Canada ruled it was efficient to instead of cash give a travel voucher with a two year expiry.

“Not having cash in hand, people want to take advantage of this credit, without losing it,” Aimoe said.

However, the worry about a second wave is still there and the 14 day quarantine upon return is the kicker for most people. Depending on the province and company, different employers establishing different rules in their respective provinces, which has most potential travellers booking for cruise lines and other trips by March.

“That’s a risk a lot of people don’t want to take, especially when their pay could be cut from it,” Aimoe said.

Businesses in the sector are anxiously watching what happens over the next couple months. Aimoe said she is willing to ride out the potential hard times ahead as a business owner, however, there will tough decisions for many in town.

“Because if you’re not bringing anything in, how can you keep running?” she said.

“It’s kind of uncertain what’s going to happen with the travel sector, it’s a waiting game.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports