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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.