Pandemic-related losses for Sarnia-Lambton's tourism industry are in the tens of millions of dollars.
The closure of the Blue Water Bridge and attractions has cost the area an estimated $60 million in lost economic tourism revenues.
The estimate includes $7 million in lost hotel revenue in Point Edward alone, and a significant loss for the waterfront casino although those numbers haven't been released.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton Executive Director Mark Perrin took part in the fifth online community news conference on Tuesday morning.
He said they're working with Lambton Public Health on a new marketing program to help businesses recover.
"We're working on a consumer confidence program with our local business partners right now," he said. "We're providing the correct information, protocols, and best practices that are encouraged by the public health unit. We want to make sure restaurants, attractions and the hospitality sector all receive those. From that, they're going to pledge that they follow these protocols."
Based on a five-year average, and numbers from April and May, Perrin said the region could lose another $15 million each month if the border remains closed.
He said TSL will try to build consumer confidence among residents and tourists by marketing that they're following best practices that could include the use of masks, and other safety precautions.
