BC Ferries announces mandatory reservations for travelers sailing from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, sparking concerns about the impact on tourism in Nanaimo.
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog has expressed worries that the new reservation requirement by BC Ferries could deter visitors from exploring his city. He believes that this change may make spontaneous travel more challenging, potentially deterring people from committing to pre-booked reservations.
Mayor Krog highlights the inconvenience that this new system may pose for travelers, especially those who prefer the flexibility of not having to make upfront payments for ferry services. He raises concerns about the potential long-term effects on tourism in Nanaimo, fearing that the reservation-only policy could impact visitor numbers in future tourist seasons.
The reservation policy comes as a response to the ongoing multi-year construction at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. BC Ferries states that the mandatory reservations aim to ensure passenger safety by managing vehicle traffic during construction activities. The reduction in vehicle space inside the terminal, due to the reconstruction work, has necessitated the implementation of this new policy.
This reservation-only requirement will specifically affect sailings from West Vancouver to Nanaimo and will continue for the duration of the construction project.