Canada’s travel and industry isn’t taking US tariffs (and the economic damage they cause) lying down. “These new developments have the potential to significantly disrupt both inbound and outbound travel, with implications on tourism businesses, travellers, and the local economy,” summed up The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) President and CEO, Andrew Siegwart.
ACTA issued a statement Tuesday saying ACTA is “extremely concerned about the illegal tariff measures imposed (by the US),” adding, “These tariffs will profoundly harm both the American and Canadian economies, and we call for all our Canadian and American travel industry colleagues to demand their immediate withdrawal.”
At the same time, the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) issued a call for action to the members of the travel trade, going so far as to urge individual members to take personal measures to help fight the crippling economic measures levied by US president Donald Trump on Tuesday.
Under the heading “Call to Action: Stand Up for the Tourism Industry – Protect Jobs, Partnerships, and Economic Vitality!” CATO executive director Jean Hébert, posted the following open letter to the trade:
“To all tourism industry professionals, businesses, and associations on both sides of the US-Canada border, the time to act is now. The tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have already caused significant damage, not just in the tourism industry, but across every economic sector.
As for the vital tourism sectors of both the United States and Canada, the costs are being felt across the industry, from hotels and restaurants to travel agencies, tour operators, and transportation services. Thousands of jobs are at risk, and without swift and decisive action, the consequences will only worsen.
We cannot afford to stay silent.
For hundreds of years, the US and Canada have shared a deeply rooted economic and cultural partnership, built on trade, mutual respect, and shared values. The tourism industry alone supports millions of jobs and generates billions of dollars in revenue for both nations. From cross-border travel to tourism-driven industries, our economies are intertwined in a way that is critical to the livelihoods of so many individuals and families.
But these tariffs threaten not only the jobs of workers on both sides of the border but also the very fabric of the relationship that has stood the test of time. The ripple effect of these trade barriers is already disrupting the flow of tourists, leading to fewer cross-border visits, lost revenue, and a decline in the economic vitality of tourism-related sectors.
It’s time for us to make our voices heard, and louder.
We call on every individual, every association, and every business in the tourism sector to join together and stand up against these damaging tariffs. This is a fight to protect thousands of jobs in every part of the tourism industry, from hospitality and transport to entertainment and retail. These tariffs are not just a political issue; they are a real threat to the economic health of our communities.
What can you do?
- Raise awareness: Share the facts about the impact of these tariffs on your community and the tourism sector. Educate your customers, colleagues, and partners about how these trade barriers harm jobs and businesses.
- Speak out: Use your platforms – from social media to industry forums – to voice your opposition to these tariffs. Whether you are a business owner, a worker, or a consumer, your voice matters.
- Join forces: Collaborate with industry associations, chambers of commerce, and advocacy groups that are working to reverse the tariffs. Together, we are stronger and can amplify our collective message.
- Engage policymakers: Contact local and national representatives to express your concerns. Urge them to protect the tourism industry by pushing for the removal of tariffs and the restoration of fair, free trade between the U.S. and Canada.
- Support tourism-friendly policies: Advocate for policies that encourage travel and tourism between the US and Canada. Remind lawmakers that tourism is not a luxury – it is a critical economic engine that creates jobs and drives prosperity for millions of people.
This is a fight for our industry, our jobs, and our shared future.
We cannot let these tariffs dismantle a sector that has been a cornerstone of economic activity between two great nations. The US-Canada tourism industry represents more than just a trade relationship – it represents a deep friendship and partnership that has existed for hundreds of years. The time to act is now. The damage is real, but it’s not too late to turn the tide. Together, we can make a difference. Stand up, speak out, and help protect the future of the tourism industry.
Make your voice heard – before it’s too late!
Let’s preserve the bonds of friendship and ensure that the tourism industry continues to thrive on both sides of the border.”
ACTA
ACTA similarly urged agents to “make their voices heard.” To that end, the association says:
“If you normally book travel to the United States, write directly to state senators about how much business you sell to their state, how these tariffs are risking this valuable economic activity and ask them to advocate to have these tariffs removed. Senator contact information is available here: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
And “voice your opposition to these tariffs on social media, clearly articulating how they will impact your business and your clients. Refrain from derogatory comments, just state the facts and reiterate that Americans have been our allies, friends and neighbours for decades.”
ACTA is also asking agents to share with the association concrete examples about how these tariffs are affecting agency’s and individual’s bookings and business operations – and particularly future booking patterns – to help shape and strengthen its advocacy efforts.
Email observations and ideas to Avery Campbell, Director of Advocacy and Industry Relations, at acampbell@acta.ca.
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