Courtesy of "Start.ca Rocks the Park" Facebook Page.
Most COVID-19 mandates are lifting, meaning this summer will be the most “normal” than it has been in two years. This year, London is seeing the return of music festivals, like Rock the Park.
Natalie Wakabayashi, the Director of Culture and Entertainment Tourism at Tourism London, is hopeful for a great summer.
“London is known for a really robust summer festival season,” says Wakabayashi. “We’re all hoping for fantastic weather to get out and explore. London is called Forest City for a reason. There are many environmentally significant areas, great walking paths, biking trails, even the river to be able to check out and enjoy. Then I think you’re going to see the return of patio season and some great eating opportunities with the amazing culinary groups that we have here in London.”
COVID is still a bit of a concern, but comfortability is up to the individual.
“I think everyone has to travel or will travel based on their own personal level of comfort. If they’re comfortable eating indoors, they will. If they’re not, they’ll eat outdoors or maybe pick up takeout. But we’re seeing great uptake in some of our numbers, which is great. We’re really hopeful this year will be a nice bounce-back for the tourism industry.”
Tickets haven’t yet gone on sale for festivals yet, but ticket sales look to be really promising.
“I think people are really excited to get back out and do things. We put on tickets for the Brier and while the event isn’t until March 2023, we’re seeing a really great uptake in ticket sales for that one. And I know partners at Budweiser Gardens with the London Knights, London Music Hall, a lot of our music venues, even for festivals like Rock the Park, they are seeking ticket sales, which is fantastic.”
London Tourism is also holding its “Stay A Little Longer” program. By booking a minimum two-night stay at a participating hotel, they will give a $100 Visa gift card for staying. Then that stay can be used towards taxes.
“You can take that accommodation payment and you can use it as part of the Ontario Staycation tax credit that rolled out in 2022. You’re eligible for up to 20% of your accommodation expenses, I think for up to $1000 as an individual or $2000 as a spouse, common-law partner, or children.”
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