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
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.