Tourism industry suffering as Saskatoon, Regina airports not allowed to accept American travellers
The federal government’s decision to open only select airports to U.S. travellers beginning Aug. 9 has left some Saskatoon businesses on the sidelines.
“We’re surprised that we don’t have a point of entry from the U.S. which is one of our major markets when it comes to tourism but also to trade and export,” said Stephanie Clovechok, CEO of Tourism Saskatoon.
As the calendar flips closer to fall and winter, the peak of hunting and fishing season in Saskatchewan, Clovechok said she hopes Transport Canada adds Saskatoon and Regina to the list.
“Hunting and fishing is primarily the greatest concern given that we’re two months away from the season opening and that’s pretty impactful for Saskatoon given that the majority of passengers will travel into Saskatoon and stay a night at one of our hotels,” she said.
She also said summer leisure travel will take a hit.
'PENT UP DEMAND'
International flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, Quebec City, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Edmonton.
In an email to CTV News Transport Canada said the selection of these airports was based on factors “including the short-term operational capacities of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Border Service Agency, the volumes of passengers and the capacity of these airports to act as relief valves to the four major airports.
“Consideration will be given to adding additional airports in the future as conditions dictate; that is: based on demand, operational capacity, the epidemiological situation in Canada and recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency,” Transport Canada said.
Jaime Milton said her company, UniGlobe International, has seen a steady increase in business since June when the province announced restrictions would expire July 11.
“Our number of travel inquiries are back to pre-pandemic levels, although bookings are lagging a little bit behind as there is still some hesitancy and uncertainty regarding future travel restrictions,” Milton said.
“There is definitely a pent up demand for travel and we are seeing some peak travel dates already starting to fill up.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
Dozens of U.S. deaths reveal risks of injecting sedatives into people restrained by police
The practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police has spread quietly across the U.S. over the last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by The Associated Press has found.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.