Algoma tourism groups welcome returning U.S. travellers
Algoma's tourism industry is breathing a collective sigh of relief, as they prepare to welcome back American travellers.
On Monday, the federal government announced it was easing border restrictions to allow fully vaccinated U.S. citizens to enter Canada for non-essential travel, beginning next month.
According to the tourism group, Algoma Country, this stands to be a big boost for many tourism operators in the region, who have been without a large portion of their clients for a year and a half.
"They did lose 90 per cent of their American guests overnight," said Rob LaRue of Algoma Country. "So if you can imagine that, losing 90 per cent of your guests, customer base gone, it's difficult to make that revenue up."
LaRue said fly-in fishing and remote outfitters have been hit the hardest by the ongoing land border shutdown.
But with Americans set to return, he said it gives companies more flexibility when it comes to scheduling.
"They weren't sure if they were going to have a season this year, to be honest," LaRue said. "Going into next year, you know, hopefully, as things progress, we keep on this path."
The City of Sault Ste. Marie said easing restrictions at the border is a win for the city's entire hospitality industry, as well.
Travis Anderson, the city's director of tourism, said it will be advertising multiple new attractions to Americans, now that they'll be to return.
One of those is a new mountain biking trail network, with construction set to be complete next month.
"It's a proven destination driver," said Anderson. "We know people will drive long distances to enjoy those trails, so we're really excited to unveil those in August."
American travellers will be able to enter Canada starting Aug. 9.
Meanwhile, the United States has extended its border closure to non-essential entry by Canadians, to Aug. 21.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
NEW From window blinds to motorcycle helmets, here are the recalls in Canada this week
Here are the various items Health Canada recalled this week, including motorcycle helmets, power adapters, and bicycle cranksets.
Opinion 'Sasquatch Sunset' review: There won't be a weirder movie in theatres this year
Rare is the movie that can ride the line between scatological and sublime, absurdist and acute.