Visitor Information Centres Are Open

The tourism season will look different this year, but there is still a need for visitor information centres.

Discover Saint John has opened its two centres, located at Barbour’s General Store uptown and on Highway 1 West.

“We’ll be looking forward to people starting to have the opportunity to move around the province and so this is an opportunity for us to show off what Saint John has,” said Victoria Clarke, executive director of Discover Saint John.

New Brunswick, like all other provinces, spent the past few months essentially under lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But as restrictions start to loosen, residents are excited to get out and explore what their community and province has to offer.

Clarke said they have taken several steps at the centres to help reduce the risk from COVID-19.

That includes installing a plexiglass barrier at the service counter, identifying a separate entrance and exit, installing physical distancing signage, limiting the number of visitors inside, and moving all travel literature behind the counter.

“In past years, you’ve been able to peruse and take your time and go through all of the different flyers and printed materials that our different members and people from around the province have produced,” she said.

“Instead, you’ll be speaking to our visitor centre staff, and as they understand the kind of needs that you have, they will be giving you those different collateral pieces that they need.”

Uptown is waiting. Come rediscover the shops, art, and history that make Saint John awesome.#SaintAwesome #ExploreNB #NBAlways pic.twitter.com/inEaC4Hw6E

— Discover Saint John (@VisitSaintJohn) June 17, 2020

When it comes to marketing, Clarke said their focus this year will be on New Brunswick travellers due to pandemic restrictions.

She hopes Greater Saint John residents will give themselves a night off and enjoy the local hotels and restaurants.

“Our businesses, our hotels, our restaurants, our retailers and our attractions have taken extraordinary and well-thought-out lengths to make sure that their spaces are safe for you and your family,” said Clarke.

“I’ll tell ya, we’re still awesome.”

Both visitor information centres will be open until Labour Day. Barbour’s General Store will be open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. while Highway 1 West will be open Friday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.