As wildfires continue to ravage parts of Manitoba, the provincial government is asking residents and visitors to delay non-essential travel to free up hotel rooms for over 21,000 evacuees. While the request is voluntary, it has ignited complex discussions within the tourism and business sectors, especially as the hospitality industry struggles to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce CEO Loren Remillard emphasized that evacuee safety is paramount but called for a broader approach that also considers the economic ripple effects on local businesses. “People always come first,” he said, while noting that cancelling conventions and large-scale events, often years in planning, poses logistical and financial hardships for operators already in a fragile state.
Michael Juce of the Manitoba Hotel Association echoed these concerns, saying many hotels are at capacity and eager to help, but they need clarity and support. Hotels like the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg are already hosting hundreds of evacuees, with little room left due to pre-existing commitments and renovations.
Despite the challenges, Remillard urged businesses to explore how they can support relief efforts, acknowledging the deeper human toll faced by evacuees who are “potentially losing everything they own.” He stressed that while the economic impact is real, the priority must be supporting displaced Manitobans during a crisis that continues to evolve.
Swifteradio.com
