Tourism operators, reeling from the impacts of COVID-19, are pushing for an increased focus from the government as they prepare for the 2021 season.

According to Hospitality NL, in a normal year, the tourism sector is a $1.14-billion industry that supports over 20,000 jobs. However, over 6,300 jobs have been lost due to the pandemic.

A survey of the impacts of the pandemic over the summer revealed some of the struggles local operators are facing. Ninety per cent of operators have seen reduced revenues and 70 per cent would not be able to stay in business without government support.

.@HospitalityNL’s Vice Chair, @brendaoreilly and Operator Joe O’Brien of @obrienstours speak with @VOCMNEWS on the how the tourism industry has faced unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19 #TourismCounts pic.twitter.com/vhqAo0Az5N

— Hospitality NL (@HospitalityNL) October 22, 2020

The group is calling for extended access to the wage subsidy program, a tourism-focused aid package, and wishes to have discussions about returning to pre-pandemic operating levels.

Brenda O’Reilly, vice-chair of Hospitality NL, says the industry was “decimated” this past summer. In adjusting to life with COVID-19, she says the industry is following all the right protocols, however, they need an indication from the government that—should things stay on the right track—the borders will reopen.

O’Reilly says municipal and provincial governments need to put pressure on their federal counterparts ahead of the 2021 season.