Yukon tourism operators brace for impact of COVID-19 this summer

Tourism operators in Yukon are bracing for a bad season this summer because of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, and cancelled cruises, and they're asking for government help to soften the financial blow.

"What we think would be really helpful is a stimulus package of at least $2.5 million," said Blake Rogers,executive director of the Tourism Industry Association of Yukon.

"It's not a time to panic, it's definitely a time to be concerned. We are concerned about how deep the hole could be, and that's why we're making the requests that we are to make sure operators feel safe for the season."

Yukon typically sees thousands of international visitors every summer,many of thempassengers from Alaskan cruises.

This is your year to explore your Yukon. There was never a better time.- Neil Hartling, Tourism Industry Association of Yukon

The tourism association surveyed some of its members this week, to ask them what they're expecting this year. The association saidabout 50 operators responded, and confirmed that things are looking tough direct losses may be around $2 million.

"At this point, the medium and long-term projections are reporting declines of about 25 to 30 per centoverall, with some seeing a drop in bookings as much as 50 per cent," reads a news release from the association.

Neil Hartling of the association saidthings are changing fast. He said even last weekend, many operators were feeling confident, despite the growing spread of the coronavirus elsewhere.

"This scenario is changing now by the hour," Hartling said.

Hartling said Yukon's tourism industry has faced similar uncertainty a handful of times in the past. For example, after9/11, the SARS epidemic, and the financial crisis of 2008. He said his own business survived each of those, but it was "challenging."

"Each one had a significant negative effect on tourism, and took good recovery time," Hartling said.

He urgedfledgling tourism operators in Yukon to "stick to fundamentals" right now.

"Know your numbers, and have plans A, B, C, D," he said.

The tourism association is also urging Yukoners to consider travelling closer to home this year, and supporting local businesses.

"This is your year to explore your Yukon. There was never a better time," Hartlingsaid.