The local tourism industry is “hanging on by a thread” thanks to travel bans imposed as the result of COVID-19, and are looking for some guidance from government officials to provide a light at the end of the tunnel.

That’s according to Mike Gatherall who operates a tour company focused on whale and bird watching.

At least two-thirds of the local tourism industry relies on travellers from outside the Atlantic region.

Gatherall understands the travel bans needed to prevent the spread of the virus, but says at some point those restrictions will be lifted and operators need to know what the plan will look like going forward.

He says government needs to give operators some idea of what a resumption of travel will look like.

For instance, he suggests that proof of vaccination needs to be provided along with a negative COVID test either before travel or on arrival in the province.