How the tourism industry is responding to the return of U.S. land-based travel
"We hope this marks a return to normal.” - IHG Hotels & Resorts Senior Leader on the US-Canada border reopening
The return of U.S. tourists is a welcome sight for Canada's tourism industry. The number of travelers to the country has doubled sinceAugust 8, when the border was reopened to Americans, and according to a 2020 study byDestination Canada, 79% of Canadians believe that visitors from other countries are good for Canada. The same study also found that the pandemic impacted tourism more than any other sector, with tourism in Canada contracting by 9.9% in December 2020 compared to January of the same year.
"Tourism is critical to the Canadian economy and hotels are so central to the fantastic memories that travellers make when they visit here from abroad," said Beata Cieplik, the Regional Vice-President Canada, Marketing Commercial and Revenue of IHG."The hotel industry faced unprecedented headwinds from the pandemic, and we hope this marks a return to the normal volume of booked rooms and leisure getaways."
Unsurprisingly cities closest to the border are expected to see the biggest increase in bookings and IHG hotels are providing exceptional packages. In Toronto,InterContinental Toronto Centre is offering packages that includes tickets to Beyond Monet, an immersive art experience at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, or tickets to Ripley's Aquarium where guests are invited to explore the mysteries deep.
TheCrowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview isoffering Casino Stay and Play packages with discounted rates or a Golf and Stay deal that includes 18 holes of golf for two at one of Niagara Parks golf courses.
"IHG has properties that are perfect for a road trip across the border, and we're excited to welcome U.S. travellers back to our hotels," said Cieplik.
In addition to the InterContinental Toronto Centre and Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview, theInterContinental Montrealis positioned perfectly at the gateway between downtown and Old-Montreal and offers a boutique hotel feel with the service of a luxurious hotel.
At theHoliday Inn and Suites Vancouver Downtown trendy Yaletown is just a few steps away, and so is the shopping district on Robson Street.
Just across from Detroit is theHoliday Inn Express Windsor Waterfront, with a spectacular view of the Detroit River skyline and a short walk to Caesars Windsor Casino.
Raj Bhatt
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE