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Algoma tourism groups welcome returning U.S. travellers

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Sault Ste. Marie -

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. 

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