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
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.