While B.C.’s top doctor says this summer will likely be similar to last year when it comes to international travel and big gatherings, the CEO of Tourism Kamloops is taking things one day at a time.

Beverley DeSantis says things are very fluid right now noting she is also disappointed to see delays in the roll out of the COVID vaccine across Canada.

“We were really hoping that once its started, we would look more like other countries where millions of people would get vaccinated in a very short period of time,” she said. “We could have have our summer back and really look at welcoming at least Canadians back into our province and see that movement.”

DeSantis says as soon as travel restrictions are lifted, Tourism Kamloops will be ready to begin attracting people back to the Tournament Capital.

“We have everything in the hopper as soon as those health orders are lifted and its safe for people across Canada to come into our province, we’re ready to go,” she added. “That said, I’m not anticipating a big boost in tourism this summer. I think we’re looking at towards the end of 2021.”

“People were hoping that the vaccine and other protocols would come in place and we would be welcoming people back here sooner. We are working with government on that to ensure we have the resources available for visitors when the time is right.”

Last week, DeSantis told NL News she thinks new international travel measures announced by the federal government will encourage people to stay local and spend discretionary dollars at home instead.

“Kamloops does not see a lot of international visitors during the winter, but Sun Peaks tends to. As far as people from here going out, I think this will encourage them to stay more local which will always benefit destinations such as Kamloops,” she said.

“When the time is right, we’ll welcome our provincial community neighbours and hopefully some time in the near future, the rest of Canada.”