Few industries have been harder hit by the pandemic than those who make a living from tourism.

Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry, and Innovation Bernard Davis officially launched government’s in-province tourism marketing campaign—or staycation campaign—yesterday evening on Signal Hill.

The 10-week ‘Stay Home Year 2020’ campaign is to encourage residents to get out and experience something new, or something they’ve always wanted to try.

While the campaign may not save the tourism industry, Davis says they’d like to salvage what they can out of the 2020 season.

It will cost the province $450,000.

Davis says there are some 20,000 people working in the tourism sector, within 2,700 businesses. He states that those businesses aren’t nameless, faceless corporations—they’re neighbours, friends, and family, and they are in need of support.

Davis stresses the importance of supporting licenced establishments which in turn supports the province’s economy.