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
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.