A local tourism operator is pressing the provincial government to immediately launch a marketing campaign and incentives for travellers within the Atlantic Bubble.

John Fisher, co-owner of the Fisher’s Loft in Port Rexton, Trinity Bay, says the local tourism industry is in crisis and fall is the time when most businesses take their bookings for the following year.

He suggests the province launch a program right away to attract travellers from within the bubble to come to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Fisher says now is the time to blanket the Maritime provinces with tourism ads and offer financial incentives for plane fare, car rentals and meals.

He suggests discounts be reimbursed on proof of purchase of $50 per plane and ferry ticket each way limited to two people, $100 to offset car rentals, $25 toward five-night accommodations in licensed establishments, and a $5 contribution for up to ten meals per person limited to two people.