Monday, the Canadian border is scheduled to open for non-essential travel to Americans who are fully vaccinated. The change marks the first time since March 21, 2020, the border will open to non-essential travel.
Days before the scheduled opening, however, nothing is certain. Two labor unions issued strike notices to the Canadian government. The strikes would begin Friday morning, and unions warned they could have a “dramatic impact” on border reopening plans.
Still, Eleonore Hamm, president of the RVDA of Canada, said after nearly 17 months of waiting to allow non-essential travel again, the reopening news was greeted favorably.
“Ultimately, we have been waiting for that,” she said. “We depend on tourism. In a perfect world, it would be a great thing.”
However, Covid concerns as the Delta variant surges make plans uncertain, she said. One positive benefit in July was the removal of a quarantine period for Canadians re-entering the country after crossing the border for essential travel.
Before the restrictions changed, travelers were quarantined for three days in a government-appointed hotel upon return as they awaited a negative Covid test. Once released, they had to quarantine at home an additional 14 days.
“So, you can see how that would be difficult for business travelers,” she said.
Travelers who are fully vaccinated no longer have quarantine restrictions upon return after the July policy change.
Where Hamm said Canadian dealers have been most impacted by the border closure is on the rental side. She estimated rental dealers received 90% to 95% of business from international travelers. Although domestic rental business picked up, the business level has dropped.
“There is a slightly different business and business model between the domestic rental market and international travelers,” she said.
Campgrounds in some Canadian areas have flourished as Canadians flocked to outdoor retreats. In provinces near the border or Eastern areas, ones that relied heavily on tourist business, campgrounds have suffered greater since the border closure.
Positive signs surround Elkhart Extravaganza, also known as Open House, and the RVDA Convention/Expo. Hamm said dealers expressed eagerness to attend both, and as of today, border concerns do not appear to be an issue in late September or November.
“Business travel, if you are flying to Elkhart, probably still is considered essential, too, so that could help,” she said. “We are doing fairly well on RVDA convention registration. We are hoping our numbers are strong.
“People are excited to go,” she said. “It all depends on what is happening with the Covid cases. It is the same thing with Open House. Everybody is excited to see what is happening and to be together again.”
Potentially aiding travel is the reopening of international flights to Canada. During the pandemic, only four airports in the country have accepted international flights, Hamm said. More airports are accepting international arrivals and departures as the border reopening neared.
On another front, Hamm said RVDA of Canada still is accepting nominations for its Dealer of the Year award. Nominations will be taken through the end of August.
