Valley tourism gets additional boost with Canadian border reopening

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

On Monday, the already thriving local economy got yet another boost with the Canadian border reopening decision.

To quote Janice Crawford, executive director of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, “It’s great news.

We’re all looking to see our Canadian visitors back. As soon as we got word, we triggered our Canadian public relations campaign and got immediate responses from Canadian journalists wanting information. Everyone’s rarin’ to go.”

Besides shopping in tax-free New Hampshire, Crawford explained that Canadian travelers love hiking and mountain biking market as well.

“It has been a huge market in the past, and I am sure we will see an uptick,” said Crawford.

She also stated that “one of our lodging members, the Admiral Peary Inn Bed and Breakfast in Fryeburg, has already posted they are offering lodging at par for Canadian visitors.”

Admiral Peary Inn owner Donna Pearce said: “It’s a discount of about 12.3 percent. We’re thrilled to have them back.”
To quote Jac Cuddy, executive director of the MWV Economic Council, “We’re happy to have the Canadians returning, but I can only imagine how busy it will be for our already short-staffed businesses. So, we’ll see.”

To quote Laura Lemieux, events and marketing director for Settlers Green of North Conway, “I think we’ve all been waiting for it to happen. I would have to say I wish it could have happened in August, but at least it’s happening.”
“We’re excited for their return,” she added. “They will be here for Black Friday so that could impact everyone’s bottom line.”

Charyl Reardon, executive director of the White Mountains Attractions Association, said, “We’re excited to seeing the return of our friends to the north.”

« Back to Page