Travel and tourism stakeholders are seeing optimism amid Omicron panic

Saturday, December 11, 2021

The prospect of sunny beaches and the threat of lost deposits have kept many from canceling their vacations so far. But confusion surrounding testing, quarantining and layovers as well as the possibility of tighter restrictions are increasing their uncertainty.

Many Canadians are second-guessing their travel plans as information comes out about Omicron, although travel and tourism stakeholders are seeing optimism as per latest updates.

Hotel and resort operators are hopeful that the strain is less serious than the previous ones, said Walt Judas, the CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C.

“But the news changes daily,” Judas said. “The biggest worry for our members is that things will shut back down again.”
Judas added, “Any further clampdowns, as far as border crossings are concerned, would be seriously detrimental to our sector,” stressing that cross-border travel is importantfor ski resorts over the holidays.

Meanwhile, hotels in Victoria and Vancouver are happy regarding healthier bookings this month, partly due to the “slight return” of conferences and special events.

Beth Potter, the CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, said that the hoped-for surge in December travel and hospitality is not yet realized, with some guests already canceling holiday trips due to anxieties over Omicron.
As per new measures by the United States, all foreign travelers need to produce a negative COVID-19 test result taken within one day of departure.

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