The BC tourism sector was expected to be hit hard this summer as it recovered from the COVID-19 shutdown.
With international travelers not around, locals have had to pick up the slack.
That's what happened at Kelowna based Okanagan Wine Country Tours.
"Lots of Albertans. Quite a few from Saskatchewan. In the last three weeks I've gotten phone calls and emails from luxury tour companies from across Canada looking to create experiences for their guests in the fall."
General Manager Marsha Morrish tells AM 1150 News, federal aid helping them deal with a four month shutdown and will ultimately allow them to be around next year.
"The wine experience is better. It is such more focused and civilize at the wineries. There are less people in the tasting rooms. Wineries are elevating what they are offering outside. It has been really, really positive", Morrish added.