The State of Niagara Falls Tourism in the USA and Canada

Buffalo NY

09 July, 2021

12:43 AM

Description

The COVID-19 Setback in Niagara Falls, USA and Canada Many tourist destinations suffered major setbacks when COVID-19 started to wreak havoc in North America In March 2020. Just as summer was arriving in full speed, travelers from all over the world canceled their vacations in droves (accompanies by border closures). Businesses and destinations that relied on their summer hustle had no choice but to take a hiatus. Putting the brakes on Niagara Falls The American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls, Siamese twins separated by a border - were abruptly shut down. In-between COVID-19 outbreaks and variants, they handled a small amount of visitors. Things looked bleak until November 2020, when a light was seen at the end of the tunnel, and the first promising vaccine studies were released. With a vaccination roll out in full swing across the USA, and soon to follow in Canada, every business in the area started gearing up for their reopening. Tour operators, restaurants, hotels - it was almost game time! Niagara Falls, USA Gets a Head Start COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions in the USA were always lighter than those in Canada, and nothing captured this better than the famous boat photos - seeing a full Maid of the Mist (American) boat, next to the near-empty Voyage to the Falls (Canadian) boat. Since the famous photos started surfacing online, Niagara Falls has been steadily gaining ground in the USA, aided by the fast vaccine roll out. While international tourists still aren’t visiting as frequently, things are looking promising for the rest of the 2021 season and into 2022. So, what’s happening in Canada? Queen Tour, a local Niagara Falls tour operator from Toronto, typically services thousands of tourists each year. They’ve been closed for 15 months, and are celebrating their reopening with their first tour on July 8, 2021. As of now, only Canadian citizens and those with special permissions can enter Canada. The mandatory quarantine for citizens has been lifted as of July 5, 2021. Canadian businesses are patient and eager as they see the booming return to life in the USA. The Canadian and US Border Closure Ontario is expected to enter their phase 3 of reopening later this month, and with loosening restrictions - there is a hope that the Canadian/US border will open shortly after. Tony, a representative from the Niagara Falls tour operator, points out that most of their passengers are from the USA. As soon as the border opens for Americans, he’s expecting a wave of Niagara Falls tour bookings. As Canada begins easing border restrictions, the current closure is expected to last at least until July 21 - and Canadian business leaders are demanding that the borders reopen. Prime Minister Trudeau said the easing of the rules marks a “big step” toward re-opening the border. US tourists make approximately 15 million visits to Canada every year, and the loss has been felt. Businesses across Canada are looking in excitement at the USA and hoping that August will be the start of a very successful rebound. Niagara Falls USA Queen Tour Niagara Falls Tours 416-792-7968 111 Peter St, Toronto, ON Canada