Canadians can rethink their trips across the border following the US rates, but Canadian border data show that tensions are not braking Americans when it comes to flying north.
The experts, however, say that some Americans are worried that they do not feel welcome here, given the boo of the US national anthem. In several sports games and the elimination of US flags by some municipalities of Ontario in their buildings.
Andrew Siegwart, president and CEO of the Ontario Tourism Industry Association, told CBC Radio’s Metro tomorrow That tourists spent more than $ 30 billion in Ontario last year and Americans represent about 20 percent of that total. But there are signs that could change.
“We have some concerns about the US market at this time, a bit of potential softness,” said Seigwart. “It is really important for us to continue giving them.”
Siegwart said that the Association would like the Doug Ford government to increase its expense in Ontario Marketing to the US. UU. To ensure that these tourist dollars are not lost.
“One of the things we have been advocating is that the province really increases its marketing spending this year,” he said.
‘Cubits up’ in politics, ‘open arms’ in tourism
He said Ontario is seen as sure, traveling here is easy to plan and that the exchange rate is favorable. But the association, tourism operators and the province have to work hard to assure Americans who are still welcome, he said.
The Americans are aware of the tension between Canada and the United States and monitoring events in the commercial war, he added.
“We are all ‘elbows’ in politics at this time, but tourism operators remain ‘open weapons’ to our US visitors to make sure they understand they are welcome,” he said.
“The beauty of Ontario is that we have something for everyone. We are not a single trick pony … We are known for our culinary scene, our dynamic urban experiences, our outdoor adventure. So really, diversity is what we have to offer.”
For now, however, the number of US visitors does not seem to be decreasing.
The data of the Canada Border Services Agency show few changes in the number of Americans crossing the air border in March this year compared to last year.
‘This is a boy’
Tony Elenis, president and CEO of Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association, said that 11 million US visitors come to Canada annually. He said that the weak Canadian dollar means that Americans will visit. The two countries have a long and friendly history, he said.
“Americans will continue to be here because it is not about Canadians or American. It is a guy. That will not prevent them from coming,” he said.
Wayne Smith, professor and director of the Hospitality and Tourism Research Institute at the Metropolitan University of Toronto, said the exchange rate will continue to attract American tourists.
“With the exchange rate now, it is basically a third discount. It is a great offer to come to Canada at this time,” he said. “If you are paying $ 200 in a hotel room, that is really saving $ 60 per night. That is a quite substantial savings to cross the border and stay in Canada.”
