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
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.