Reopening of the Canada-U.S. Border and local economies

NIAGARA FALLS, NY – Whether by plane or car, for many, traveling was impossible during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For nearly 20 months, the United States and Canada have turned back tourists at points of entry across the 5,500-mile land border in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus.

Now that fully vaccinated individuals are once again allowed to cross the border on either side, how are travelers helping the local economy?

On a windy day in Niagara Falls, travelers take in the views.

They don’t just come from neighboring Ontario. Juan Fernando and his family are from Columbia

“This is our first visit to the falls. It’s really beautiful. The color is incredible, ”says Juan Fernando.

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Retaino has said that time of year, until the end of winter, is the off season. This year, in addition to Canadian and American visitors, the city welcomes more and more people from all over the world.

“Part of what you’re going to see so deeply in the year is based on the fact that there were so many limitations. People from all over the world… it has something to do with pent-up demand, ”Mayor Restaino explains.

He says these travelers dine in restaurants and shop in stores, helping to boost the local economy. Despite the rise in tourism since the closure, Restaino believes that the revenue lost during the pandemic will never be recovered because, without enough customers, many businesses have had to close.

Now the question is how is the Canadian economy doing after re-allowing fully vaccinated Americans to re-enter the country on August 9, 2021. Other countries were invited about a month later.

“We have a lot of guests from the United States who stay with us all the time. It’s now been almost every week that we’ve been full,” said Nicole Payette, Waterfront Hotel Supervisor at a Burlington hotel.

Kristene Smith, Executive Director of Tourism Burlington, explains why she believes travelers are now visiting the area.

“Natural places, paths and areas for walking, wherever they can go out. They couldn’t wait to get out of their homes, ”adds Smith.

Whether people are crossing the border to meet family and friends or planning a vacation, country leaders agree it will help the local economy. However, many predict that full recovery from the pandemic will take a very long time.