A coalition of North American tourism associations committed to open borders is calling for “innovative solutions and unified action” to protect and promote the “pivotal” role of travel during the current “unprecedented” bilateral crisis between Canada and the U.S.
Committed to open “fostering vital economic stability and growth, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship,” the Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition (BBTC) says current challenges instigated by the Trump administration “threaten not only the financial health of countless businesses, but also the livelihoods of millions of workers who rely on a thriving tourism industry.”
The coalition membership consists of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA); American Bus Association (ABA); Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO); Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC); International Inbound Travel Association (IITA); National Tour Association (NTA); Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA); and United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).
“Current government trade and border crossing policies are creating an environment of instability in the travel sector, which is creating many hurdles,” says the coalition. “Nowhere is this pressure greater than between Canada and the United States. Each country counts the other as its most significant trading and travel partner – with the recent declines impacting businesses and communities on both sides of the border.”
It adds, “This is especially true throughout Indigenous communities who remain connected through kinship and culture regardless of borders. The importance of sharing culture and place remains strong through Indigenous lands and people, who have also created an important Indigenous cultural tourism economy which is now facing negative impacts.
Goals
BBTC says it is committed to working togethering to support tourism opportunities between Canada and the U.S., notably by eliminating barriers and easing cross-border tourism. The travel industry’s interconnected nature demands unified voices and actions to tackle shared challenges arising from the current unprecedented situation. Speaking with one voice amplifies our influence, ensuring we are not ignored… As a coalition of Canadian and U.S.-based associations, we stand together and united at a time when our economies and purchasing power are in turmoil.”
Call to action
Citing a litany of statistics showing declining cross-border numbers that threaten “significant economic repercussions” in both countries, the coalition says it plans to raise awareness among members, policymakers and the public, about the “important work that needs to be done.”
In the meantime, its urges travel and tourism personnel to “Please share this message widely, including on social media, with your elected officials, partners and those in the hospitality sector, colleagues, customers, travellers. Together, we can ensure that our industry empowers safe, accessible, and enriching travel experiences for generations to come.”
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