Merritt preparing to welcome back tourists

When BC moved into stage-2 of the COVID-19 restart plan, all inter-provincial travel restrictions were lifted. For the time being out of province travel is still be advised against and the US, Canada border remains closed until at least July 21, 2021.

That means tourism operators are hoping British Columbians explore their own province this Summer. Merritt’s CAO Sean Smith spoke with Q101 to discuss how the City is working to bring tourists back to town to help support local business.

“We absolutely thrilled that things are opening up again,” said Smith. “I think we’re all looking forward to being able to explore our province over the course of the Summer.”

Earlier in the pandemic Merritt City Council approved several temporary programs to help local businesses like expanding outdoor patios. Smith confirmed those programs will remain in effect through the end of 2021, and possibly longer.

“One of the exiting initiatives that we’re going to be able to look at is how we can convert some of the temporary initiatives into something a little more permanent. We’ve had great feedback regarding the outdoor patios,” said Smith.

“We’re looking forward to working with our business owners to making some of these changes more permanent,” added Smith.