Tourism officials in the north greet end of COVID-19 border restrictions
Northern Ontario tourism officials are breathing a sigh of relief at the announcement that all remaining COVID-19 border restrictions are coming down this week.
While tourism outfitters were able to refocus their marketing on domestic travellers, many in the sector have been sorely missing their American visitors.
With the end of border restrictions, Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Manager Alana Kenopic said the slow recovery and return to normal for the industry could now begin.
“It’s a great day,” Kenopic said.
“Something we’ve been looking forward to for the last couple of years. It’s not lost on us how the restrictions have impaired visitors coming to the city. We’re really looking forward to the opportunity to welcome back our U.S. visitors.”
Laurie Marcil, executive director of Nature & Outdoor Tourism Ontario, said the local industry counts on visitors from the U.S.
“We have over a million visitors from the U.S. that come into northern Ontario every year, pre-pandemic,” said Marcil.
“They spend about $466 million every year. It’s crucial for our northern communities.”
Marcil said tourism businesses have reported millions of dollars in cancelations this past spring. The ArriveCan app, vaccination requirements and random testing at the border were the top three reasons for the cancellations.
Kenopic said while dropping restrictions now is too late to save the summer season, the move provides some stability for the tourism sector, allowing the industry to plan for the future.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.