Canadians could also be rethinking their journeys throughout the border within the wake of U.S. tariffs, however Canadian border knowledge reveals the tensions aren’t slowing Individuals down relating to flying north.
Consultants, nevertheless, say some Individuals are involved they may not be made to really feel welcome right here, given the booing of the U.S. nationwide anthem at quite a lot of sports activities video games and the elimination of American flags by some Ontario municipalities at their buildings.
Andrew Siegwart, president and CEO of the Tourism Business Affiliation of Ontario, informed CBC Radio’s Metro Morning that vacationers spent greater than $30 billion in Ontario final 12 months and Individuals make up about 20 per cent of that whole. However there are indicators that would change.
“We now have some considerations concerning the American market proper now, a little bit little bit of potential softness,” Seigwart mentioned. “It is actually vital for us to proceed to welcome them.”
Siegwart mentioned the affiliation would really like the Doug Ford authorities to extend its spending on advertising and marketing Ontario to the U.S. to make sure these vacationer {dollars} are usually not misplaced.
“One of many issues that we now have been advocating for is for the province to truly up its advertising and marketing spend this 12 months,” he mentioned.
‘Elbows up’ on coverage, ‘arms open’ on tourism
He mentioned Ontario is seen as secure, travelling right here is simple to plan and the alternate charge is beneficial. However the affiliation, tourism operators and the province need to work exhausting to reassure Individuals that they’re nonetheless welcome, he mentioned.
Individuals are conscious of the stress between Canada and the U.S. and monitoring occasions within the commerce battle, he added.
“We’re all ‘elbows up’ on coverage proper now, however tourism operators stay ‘arms open’ to our American guests to make sure that they perceive that they’re welcome,” he mentioned.
“The fantastic thing about Ontario is that we now have a little bit one thing for everybody. We’re not a one-trick pony… We’re identified for our culinary scene, our dynamic city experiences, our outside journey. So actually, the variety is what we now have to supply.”
For now, nevertheless, the numbers of American guests don’t seem like slowing down.
Canada Border Providers Company knowledge reveals little change within the variety of Individuals crossing the border by air in March this 12 months in comparison with final 12 months.
‘That is about one man’
Tony Elenis, president and CEO of Ontario Restaurant Lodge and Motel Affiliation, mentioned 11 million guests from U.S. come to Canada yearly. He mentioned the weak Canadian greenback means Individuals will go to. The 2 international locations have an extended, pleasant historical past, he mentioned.
“The Individuals will proceed to be right here as a result of it is not concerning the Canadians or Individuals. That is about one man. That won’t cease them from coming,” he mentioned.
Wayne Smith, professor and director of the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Analysis at Toronto Metropolitan College, mentioned the alternate charge will proceed to attract American vacationers.
“With the alternate charge now, it is mainly a 3rd off. It is an ideal deal to return to Canada proper now,” he mentioned. “In the event you’re paying $200 on a resort room, that is actually saving $60 an evening. That is a reasonably substantial financial savings for coming throughout the border and staying in Canada.”
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