Fuchsia Dragon | [email protected]
Jasper’s visitation is the lifeblood of the town.
But in this new world Jasper has a new message: Stay away, for now.
Jasper mayor Richard Ireland shared a video statement on Youtube today to encourage potential visitors to practice social distancing and save their visit for another time.
“Jasper takes pride in its ability to welcome visitors and offer memorable experiences,” said Ireland.
“But now in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, is not the time to visit.”
Ireland said he and the municipality are encouraging residents to be absolutely vigilant and relentless in their pracising of social distancing and Alberta Health directives - and they want to encourage the same of Jasper’s guests.
“We want everyone to be safe and well,” said Ireland.
He commended Jasper’s community and business community for responding to the call to flatten the curve “in exemplary fashion” and said the town’s small hospital and its dedicated healthcare staff will be severely challenge to provide necessary services to our residents as the pandemic continues.
“When the world returns to some sense of normal we will be pleased, prepared and eager to welcome you,” said Ireland.
“In the meantime we encourage all of our past and potential guests to practise social distancing, to follow the instructions and recommendations of healthcare authorities, to stay safe, stay well and save your travels and visits for another day.”
Meanwhile, Tourism Jasper has paused all its active promotions for Jasper, including online and offline paid advertising, media campaigns and social media.
“We are focused on our community and ensuring Jasper, our business and employees stay safe,” said president and CEO of Tourism Jasper James Jackson.
“For now, and as odd as it is for us, we are saying stay home, stay safe, don’t visit Jasper.”
Jackson said Tourism Jasper is working through its messaging and suggesting to visitors that they don’t come to Jasper.
But when the time comes for Jasper’s visitor economy to rebuild, TJ will be ready.
Jackson said he and his team will be working internally over the next few weeks to build programs and campaigns which will only be launched “when it is appropriate to do so”.
