TORONTO — Both ACTA and CATO have issued rallying cries to the travel industry, calling on travel advisors and other professionals to take action amid the U.S.-Canada trade war.
Meanwhile at least one U.S. tourism board is stepping up with words of support for the Canadian travel industry, much welcome at this difficult time.
“PROFOUND HARM”: ACTA
Ahead of the ACTA Advocacy Townhalls next week, ACTA President Wendy Paradis said ACTA is extremely concerned about the illegal tariff measures imposed by the U.S.
According to a statement from ACTA, “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.
“Travel is now at risk, and we are already seeing signs that demand for U.S. destinations by Canadians is decreasing.”
ACTA noted that the tariffs will have significant economic consequences, making goods and services more expensive on both sides of the border. “Every facet of the Canadian and US economies will feel the impact – from manufacturing and agriculture to retail and tourism.”
Meanwhile the Canadian dollar will fall even more against the U.S. currency, further weakening Canadians’ buying power and appetite for travel.
ACTA has been joining weekly meetings with the federal government over the past month and will continue vigorously advocating for travel agencies, travel advisors, and independent travel advisors with all levels of government, said Paradis.
“We are currently assessing the full impact of these tariffs as the situation unfolds and will be communicating with members on a timely basis through our various communication channels – member advisories, media releases, ACTA social channels and live information sessions,” she said.
In the event that the tariffs remain in place, ACTA will also be moving to monthly townhall updates, or more frequently as needed, to keep travel agencies, travel advisors and independent travel advisors informed and engaged in advocacy efforts.
Here’s ACTA’s call-to-action list …
1. “If you normally book travel to the U.S., 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
2. “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.”
3. “Share concrete examples with ACTA about how these tariffs are affecting your bookings and businessvoperations so we can strengthen our advocacy efforts. Please email Avery Campbell, Director of Advocacy and Industry Relations, at acampbell@acta.ca. We are particularly interested in learning about changes to future bookings to the US and how your business is being impacted, and ideas for support that governments can provide.”
Campbell will be leading the English-language ACTA Advocacy Townhall on March 11. He will provide updates on ACTA’s latest advocacy efforts, including an update on Canada-US relations, and discuss how we are supporting travel advisors and agencies across Canada. Click here to register.
The French-language ACTA Advocacy Townhall takes place March 13 with Patrice Malacort, Membership Manager, Quebec. Click here to register.
“THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW”: CATO
Meanwhile the Canadian Association of Tour Operators says “the time to act is now.”
Says CATO: “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.”
CATO’s call-to-action points include …
1. 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.”
2. 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.”
3. 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.”
4. 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.”
5. Support Tourism-Friendly Policies: “Advocate for policies that encourage travel and tourism between the U.S. 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.”
SHOW OF SUPPORT FROM A U.S. TOURISM BOARD
Amid these extremely difficult and worrying times, any show of support from south of the border is very welcome.
According to a statement issued this morning, Visit Detroit wants the Canadian travel industry – and travellers – to know the city values its strong partnerships across the border.
“Detroit deeply values our Canadian visitors,” said Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit. “We are committed to facilitating seamless cross-border travel and ensuring an exceptional experience for our Canadian friends.
Molinari notes that trade tariffs “could potentially create unnecessary barriers, impacting both tourism and trade.” However, he says, “maintaining a strong, cooperative relationship is essential to the economic and cultural vitality of our region.”
The Canadian travel industry would no doubt value any U.S. tourism board or travel company that echoes Molinari’s words, as he notes that his city and Canada “are not just neighbours – they are partners in shaping a thriving and interconnected future.”
