As the reality of a commercial war between Canada and the United States continues in large, some see the opportunity to attract travelers who normally fly south of the border and direct them to Newfoundland and Labrador.
As the president of the United States, Donald Trump, promises punishing tariffs on Canadian goods and a threatening annexation, some Canadians are Boicote plans to vacation south.
“We believe that this presents another opportunity for us to show how welcoming and how wonderful Newfoundland, Labrador and St. John’s is for the rest of Canada,” said the CEO of Destination St. John’s Paul Buggé.
He recently said that there has been more interest in traveling to Terranova and Labrador of Canadian and American travelers.
“It’s not just about the situation of the rate, it is also the value proposal,” he said.
A Canadian dollar against the US dollar means that it is more expensive to travel south, but also that the US currency can go further if spent in Canada, he said.
He said that Newfoundland and Labrador verify many boxes for travelers when they look at travel destinations.
“We are special, we are unique. We are safe and we have a unique culture and people who are ours.
Check the desire list
The Minister of Tourism, Steve Crocker, said there has already been an increase in the interest of tourists seeking to travel to Terranova and Labrador.
“We have heard of operators who say … They are seeing a new level of interest of Canadian travelers for this next season,” Crocker said.
“Ironically, we have also seen a little increase in the comment of American travelers who seek to come to Canada and look, in a comprehensive way, Canada as a destination.”
Crocker added that interest could also be motivated by the fortress of the US dollar, but added that not only benefits the Americans.
“As a Canadian traveler, I would look south of the border and say ’68-, 69 cents in dollars. I will not do that. ‘So, you know, these are factors at this time that, as a tourist destination, we must be certainly ready And capable of capitalizing, “Crocker said.
From the tourism department’s own investigation, they said that they know that Terranova and Labrador is a destination of the desire list for many Canadians, and that they may feel more inclined to visit this year due to political tensions with the United States.
Crocker said that the provincial government is investigating ways to support a busiest tourism season than usual. Marine Atlantic is extremely occupied during the maximum tourism season between July and August and said she is talking with other groups to press the Federal Government about increasing its capacity.
“That capacity has become a problem over the years and remains a problem,” he said.
Last year’s provincial budget allocated $ 13 million for tourist marketing and the exploration of emerging geographical markets.
“Even before these geopolitical problems, you know, we were listening that we were going for a strong year. But I think this only solidifies the tourist year … that we can certainly have,” Crocker said.
Both Crocker and Buggé said there has been driving the province’s air access through Westjet adding seasonal flights Between St. John International Airport and European destinations such as London, Dublin and Paris.
“It is a change of play and we are eager to really take advantage of the growth of these markets,” Buggé said.
While Buggé and Crocker see great opportunities to attract more Canadian travelers, both argue that they don’t want to alien Americans either.
“We will welcome them with open arms, not different from what we did … on September 11,” Crocker said.
Crocker added that Americans represent about 14 percent of tourists, which is equivalent to more than $ 150 million a year for operators.
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