Travel agencies in the north say people are eager to get to warm destinations
After 19 months of severely limited business, travel agencies say northerners are now eager to travel, including to the United States.
Chris Mayne, manager at Mayne Travel Services, told CTV News the pandemic has forced his company to change the way it operates.
“This last year it’s probably taken longer to confirm what the requirements to travel are, because they change every week and they change country to country,” Mayne said.
“It’s been surprising how much time that has taken to keep up with things, because if we’re giving advice, we’re actually legally liable. It’s not just a passport any more -- I’ve got to look at all the health implications, as well.”
With the border reopening for Canadian travellers to drive south next month, and the federal government rolling out a Canada-wide vaccine passport, Mayne said business is picking up again.
“It’s that migration of the snowbirds,” he said.
“People are starting to look at selloffs and deals for November and early December. What looks good for January, February March, the typical winter season.”
This year it’s also easier for people in the north to get to Mexico.
“This year, Sunwing is flying directly from North Bay and Sudbury to Mexico, which is great," said Mayne.
"The airlines the tour companies, the tour lines, are all doing everything they can to entice people to travel again."
On top of showing proof of vaccination, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is reminding travellers of the health and safety protocols in place.
“Proof of a negative test, as well as vaccination, is still required for fully vaccinated individuals flying into the U.S., and a negative COVID-19 test, molecular PCR test only, is still required to return to Canada at this time,” said Dr. Jim Chirico.
Mayne added there are still quite a few questions and concerns coming from his customers, but said all clients are encouraged to purchase travel insurance, because conditions and travel restrictions can change quickly.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet
NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense. The most distant spacecraft from Earth hadn't sent home any understandable data since last November.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
LGBTQ2S+ rallies to be held across Canada, billed as largest since marriage equality
Organizations across the country are gearing up for what they describe as the largest LGBTQ2S+ mobilization since the push for marriage equality.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.