More calls for an end to the ArriveCAN App to enter Canada at our land borders.
Travellers must use the App to input travel information and health status before entering the country.
The tourism marketing group, Destination Northern Ontario, feels its use is a deterrent for many American visitors wanting to come to northern Ontario.
Executive Director David MacLachlan says the App was important when the borders first opened last year.
“There was a time in place, but we just need to look at what we can do to remove restrictions where we can and get people moving again,” says McLaughlan.
McLaughlan says resource-based tourism was hard hit by the pandemic.
He says they are now feeling the effects of continued border restrictions.
He notes border crossings to date this year are down 50 per cent over what they were in 2019.
“A recent survey completed by Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario shows that the sector is recorded $100 million in cancellations in May. While the reasons do vary, the vast majority site border restrictions,” says McLaughlan.
McLaughlan says tourism in northern Ontario won’t rebound until Americans have easy access past the border.
Earlier this week, some border community mayors called on the federal government to remove the app, saying it is no longer necessary.
