THUNDER BAY - Thunder Bay’s Tourism industry breathes a sigh of relief as the federal government plans to lift the ban on cruise ships and open Canada-American land border crossings.
The cruise ship ban will be lifted in November and even though we’ve already lost the 2021 season for cruises, it gives cruise lines the certainty they need to plan their return for the 2022 season
“It's good news for the industry, and it really kind of signals that we’re moving into the relief and recovery phase of COVID,” said Paul Pepe, manager of Tourism Thunder Bay, “It gives our partners here in the city, our tourism partners, it gives the cruise lines certainty in terms of planning for 2022.”
There are three cruise line companies committed to Thunder Bay over the next couple of years, most notably, Viking Cruises with their new ship, the Viking Octantis which will call on Thunder Bay for seven port visits and 14 cruises.
Cruise ships making port in Thunder Bay bring in more than 5,000 visitors, they make a $3.5-5.5 million impact on the community and they support 50-70 jobs.
“Certainly having the cruise ships in port and having Viking here next year will benefit dozens and dozens of local businesses,” said Pepe. “Restaurants, hotels, ground transportation companies, car rental companies, tour operators, attractions will all benefit from Viking.”
Canada-US land border crossings will open on Aug. 9 to fully vaccinated US travelers and will offer some much needed relief to the northwestern tourism industry which was having a tough 16 months during lockdown.
In Thunder Bay, American tourism brings in roughly $63 million annually to the city, a third of our total tourist income, and American tourists also bring in roughly $255 million to northwestern Ontario annually.
