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 in the case of flying north.
Specialists, 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 various sports activities video games and the removing 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 might change.
“We have now some issues concerning the American market proper now, somewhat little bit of potential softness,” Seigwart stated. “It is actually necessary for us to proceed to welcome them.”
Siegwart stated the affiliation would love the Doug Ford authorities to extend its spending on advertising and marketing Ontario to the U.S. to make sure these vacationer {dollars} should not misplaced.
“One of many issues that we now have been advocating for is for the province to really up its advertising and marketing spend this 12 months,” he stated.
‘Elbows up’ on coverage, ‘arms open’ on tourism
He stated Ontario is seen as protected, travelling right here is simple to plan and the alternate fee is beneficial. However the affiliation, tourism operators and the province should work arduous to reassure Individuals that they’re nonetheless welcome, he stated.
Individuals are conscious of the strain 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 stated.
“The great thing about Ontario is that we now have somewhat one thing for everybody. We’re not a one-trick pony… We’re identified for our culinary scene, our dynamic city experiences, our out of doors journey. So actually, the range is what we now have to supply.”
Patrons dine in Hendriks Restaurant and Bar on Toronto’s Yonge Avenue on Oct. 22, 2021. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)
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 Resort and Motel Affiliation, stated 11 million guests from U.S. come to Canada yearly. He stated the weak Canadian greenback means Individuals will go to. The 2 international locations have a protracted, pleasant historical past, he stated.
“The Individuals will proceed to be right here as a result of it isn’t concerning the Canadians or Individuals. That is about one man. That won’t cease them from coming,” he stated.
Wayne Smith, professor and director of the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Analysis at Toronto Metropolitan College, stated the alternate fee will proceed to attract American vacationers.
“With the alternate fee now, it is mainly a 3rd off. It is an excellent deal to return to Canada proper now,” he stated. “Should you’re paying $200 on a lodge room, that is actually saving $60 an evening. That is a reasonably substantial financial savings for coming throughout the border and staying in Canada.”
