Canada’s tourism industry can’t seem to catch a break. As if COVID-19 and tough travel restrictions for two years weren’t enough, now come summer wildfires.
It was Alberta’s turn a few weeks ago, then Nova Scotia. Now we have wildfires in Ontario and Quebec that are sending smoke south into the U.S., causing American news networks to broadcast nightly segments about smoke from the Great White North.
Those kind of news broadcasts, which are perfectly reasonable, seem to be having an effect on tourism.
“We have had a few conversations with our members and we’re already seeing domestic and international visitors cancelling trips,” Madison Simmons with the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario told Canadian Press.
Simmons said businesses in the northern part of the province, particularly outfitters and outdoor tours, are most affected.
Cape Breton is hours away from the Nova Scotia fires, but CTV reports that tourism officials have concerns.
“We’ve heard that some operators have received cancellations as a result of the perception out there,” said Terry Smith, Destination Cape Breton CEO.
I haven’t read about impacts on Toronto or Montreal, but no doubt some people have seen the news and had second thoughts about visiting. Delays at major airports such as La Guardia in New York City and Liberty-Newark in New Jersey probably don’t help air travel to Canada.
Let’s hope overworked firefighters can get things under control soon. We owe them a strong round of applause and our unending gratitude.
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPETELY DIFFERENT: RUBBER DUCKIES ON A CRUISE
Rubber Duckies. JIM BYERS PHOTO
So, this is an odd thing I ran across on the web today. It seems that cruisers around the world have begun taking rubber duckies on board cruise ships and leaving them for fellow guests to discover.
USA Today cites a story at Cruising Ducks that says it all started a few years ago when family duo Ashley and Abby Davis bought 50 rubber ducks for a spring break cruise. According to their website, they hid several each day and found people of all ages finding the ducks.
There’s also a Facebook page called Cruising Ducks – Original Page, and it has nearly 200,000 followers! I’m speechless.
AIR CANADA BUILDS EDINBURGH AND GRENADA ROUTES
Edinburgh, Scotland. Kate Bielinksi/Unslpash Photo
Simple Flying says Air Canada has started flying to Edinburgh again from Toronto, with plans to increase the nonstop service to daily during the summer peak. The airline will continue to offer this flight well into the winter months but with reduced frequency.
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Canadians seeking warmth, adventure and relaxation this winter, will find it easier to find their respite in Grenada when Air Canada resumes service on October 29th with double the previous capacity. The carrier will double its frequency to the destination to four weekly flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND). The Air Canada nonstop flights will operate on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing at 9:30am from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and landing in Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) at 3:55pm. The Grenada (GND) Toronto leg will depart at 4:55pm and arrive in Toronto (YYZ) at 9:55pm.  Grand Anse Beach in Grenada. Hugh Whyte/Unsplash Photo. “We are pleased to be able to offer more connections between Grenada and Toronto with up to four flights per week,” said Nino Montagnese, Vice President at Air Canada Vacations. “This enhanced schedule will allow Canadian travelers to experience the unspoiled natural gems and crystalline waters of Grenada. Customers can also escape to paradise with ease with Air Canada Vacations’ robust collection of vacation packages.” “The return of direct service by Air Canada to Grenada is a positive development for air transport relations between the airline and our country,” said Hon. Consul General Dawne Francois. “We have a very significant diaspora presence in Toronto and demand for travel to Grenada is at an all-time high.” |
HARD ROCK HOTEL/CASINO FOR OTTAWA
An artists’ rendering of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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