Let’s Hope Fires Don’t Affect B.C. Tourism

We’re nowhere near the fires that are burning in the interior of British Columbia. We’re probably about three hours, at least, away from it.

I guess it’s conceivable that it could affect us here on the Lower Mainland, but it’s pretty low risk because most of the fires in B.C. are started by lightning. If we get three thunderstorms in a year, we’re surprised. Up in the interior, they get them almost daily.

Every year, it seems like we’re battling these fires and so far, golf hasn’t been affected. We’ve been incredibly lucky because, to this point, there hasn’t been any golf courses that have been hit – knock on wood.

While there has been little physical damage, where the fires could hit golf and so many other businesses for that matter is through tourism. Because this keeps happening year after year, it can change people’s plans.

The interior has so many getaway towns and a lot of the business and economy is based on summer, so if people aren’t going there, it’s got to have an effect.

The message that needs to get outside our provincial borders is that the fires are mostly in remote regions and they haven’t yet gotten in the way of visitors to a great golf destination.

If you go to the interior of B.C., within an hour-and-a-half in all four directions, you will hit at least five of the most wonderful golf experiences you will ever enjoy. Rather than going by perception, do your research and you will discover that golf is open for business.

Then, the message will be clear.

Come on out.