Canada known only for moose, mountains, Mounties, tourism officials complain

iamislegrown · 02-03-2006, 05:29 PM

I don't blame them, I would rather go to mexico or the caribbean myself.

01/02/2006 5:54:00 PM
TORONTO (CP) - Travellers from the United States would rather visit Mexico and the Caribbean than the Great White North, tourism officials complained Wednesday as they urged all levels of government to generate some badly needed buzz about Canada.

"Too many Americans are not considering Canada for vacation," said Rod Seiling, president of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association.

"Unfortunately, when they think of our country, they only see the age-old stereotype of the three M's - moose, mountains and Mounties."

Without an NHL hockey season last year, Canada fell even further off the radar screen, said Seiling, a former defenceman with the league's New York Rangers.

"The only way to change that is through marketing."

Statistics from the Canadian Tourism Commission indicate Canada as a whole saw 4.6 per cent fewer U.S. travellers last year compared with 2004. Automobile traffic was down 6.7 per cent, the commission said.

The decline was acutely felt in Ontario, a province visited by roughly 33 per cent fewer U.S. citizens over the last five years, Seiling said. The city of Toronto bore the brunt of that impact, he added.

Still, he admitted the city is doing fairly well and has successfully rebounded from the devastating effects of two deadly SARS outbreaks in 2003. Not including visits from stateside, international travel to Toronto has risen 50 per cent in the past five years.

"But we are losing momentum and we need to get it back," Seiling said as he urged the Ontario government to spend $30 million on boosting tourism in the province and for Ottawa to dedicate an additional $100 million to the cause.

"Unless action is taken now, we not only risk losing the gains we have made, but we could slide backwards."

Seiling said tourism is down across the country, with a large chunk of the decline coming from travellers in border states who are discouraged by hassles crossing the border, the high dollar and the price of gas.

Bruce MacMillan of Tourism Toronto said the biggest problem is Canada's reputation as a dull place. He said the country needs a national strategy to rebrand its image and called on the newly elected Conservative government to make tourism a priority.

"Border security, currency rates, lingering perceptions of Canada that there's nothing to do - these are national issues," MacMillan said.

"As soon as a new federal minister is appointed, we'll be seeking to open a dialogue with him or her to ensure that tourism issues are at the top of their federal agenda."

Seiling complained that the Canadian Tourism Commission is underfunded by about $20 million. The agency currently gets about $78 million a year.

By comparison, MacMillan said Australia spends more than $200 million annually on its national tourism strategy.

MacMillan said the tourism industry brings $4 billion a year into Toronto alone and supports 100,000 jobs in the city, traditionally the destination of choice for most U.S. visitors.

"The pain here is more," said MacMillan. "Over 50 per cent of our business is U.S.-based, so when that starts to drop off, we hurt more than anyone else."

Finding out exactly why U.S. travellers are shunning Canada is the focus of a large-scale study by the Canadian Tourism Commission.

Aside from exchange rates and difficult border crossings, there are other factors that have emerged anecdotally, said commission president Michele McKenzie.

"It is becoming apparent that many neighbouring Americans are not sure Canadians still like them," she wrote in a recent article for Front Desk, an industry newsletter.

"This perception is fuelled by geopolitical issues (such as Canada declining to join the war in Iraq) and also by some of the commentary floating across the border."

The Comprehensive Study on U.S. Market Challenges is expected to be released later this month.

Sir-Ex · 02-03-2006, 05:32 PM

SO... what you're saying is that less American tourists will be congesting my favourite places in BC?

I don't see the problem.

iamislegrown · 02-03-2006, 05:34 PM

I guess it's only a problem if you depend on it, other than that it could be a bonus.

cheese · 02-03-2006, 06:11 PM

go away people! its getting too crowded!

Flamingnun · 02-03-2006, 06:13 PM

i was on vacation to canada for three weeks not so long ago, and those are probably the three most prominant memories i have.

deadhead94 · 02-03-2006, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamislegrown

other than that it could be a bonus.

would > could

Woods · 02-03-2006, 06:21 PM

There are too many yanks in Vancouver during the summer anyway.

vanilla · 02-03-2006, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flamingnun

i was on vacation to canada for three weeks not so long ago, and those are probably the three most prominant memories i have.

where did you go ?

cactushead · 02-03-2006, 07:08 PM

I dont want more americans here either. We are way too polite with the whole ignorant american traveller shit. They come here and act like idiots and wonder why their next vaction overseas ends up with them being beheaded. Stay at home americans. Still, in 2006, americans will come here in july looking for snow. I dont care how much money you have, stupidity like that could rub off. Its just not worth it, think of our own canuck children, you want them exposed to shit like that?

vanilla · 02-03-2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactushead

I dont want more americans here either. We are way too polite with the whole ignorant american traveller shit. They come here and act like idiots and wonder why their next vaction overseas ends up with them being beheaded. Stay at home americans. Still, in 2006, americans will come here in july looking for snow. I dont care how much money you have, stupidity like that could rub off. Its just not worth it, think of our own canuck children, you want them exposed to shit like that?

one thing about where i used to live is that it was very popular with young americans going there for the amazing nightlife
many drunken fights have been had in montreal clubs and bars due to yanks who cant handle their booze
ive seen 16 year old locals outdrink american college students

Flamingnun · 02-04-2006, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanilla

where did you go ?

vancouver, and a smaller town near Kelowna, then out across the rockies, staying in Banff, calgary, and other smaller towns.

We went up a glacier too, which was fucking sweet, so that stands out pretty highly in my memories of canada.
Canadas a fucking sweet place likes.

**~~PsyOpKing~~** · 02-04-2006, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir-Ex

SO... what you're saying is that less American tourists will be congesting my favourite places in BC?

I don't see the problem.

i have to agree.

Reagan · 02-04-2006, 10:57 AM

I often forget Canada even exists.

iamislegrown · 02-04-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reagan

I often forget Canada even exists.

Good, we hope that's how all americans think.

Human-yo · 02-04-2006, 11:28 AM

so canadians wouldnt be happy if human-yo came for a visit?

iamislegrown · 02-04-2006, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Human-yo

so canadians wouldnt be happy if human-yo came for a visit?

As long as you visited the west coast, that would be ok.

Human-yo · 02-04-2006, 11:33 AM

my ultimate goal in life is to move to canada, and brainwash the people hitler-style, become dictator, and ban marijuana. that'd show you canadian fuckers how not awesome you are.

/don't know what i'm talking about

iamislegrown · 02-04-2006, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Human-yo

my ultimate goal in life is to move to canada, and brainwash the people hitler-style, become dictator, and ban marijuana. that'd show you canadian fuckers how not awesome you are.

/don't know what i'm talking about

Someone by the name of stephen harper has beat you to it.lol

vanilla · 02-04-2006, 11:42 AM

.

SmokeSomeDoja · 02-04-2006, 11:50 AM

^you could actually get in a lot of trouble for that.

02-03-2006, 05:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
iamislegrown YaHookan Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 995 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Canada known only for moose, mountains, Mounties, tourism officials complain I don't blame them, I would rather go to mexico or the caribbean myself. 01/02/2006 5:54:00 PM TORONTO (CP) - Travellers from the United States would rather visit Mexico and the Caribbean than the Great White North, tourism officials complained Wednesday as they urged all levels of government to generate some badly needed buzz about Canada. "Too many Americans are not considering Canada for vacation," said Rod Seiling, president of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association. "Unfortunately, when they think of our country, they only see the age-old stereotype of the three M's - moose, mountains and Mounties." Without an NHL hockey season last year, Canada fell even further off the radar screen, said Seiling, a former defenceman with the league's New York Rangers. "The only way to change that is through marketing." Statistics from the Canadian Tourism Commission indicate Canada as a whole saw 4.6 per cent fewer U.S. travellers last year compared with 2004. Automobile traffic was down 6.7 per cent, the commission said. The decline was acutely felt in Ontario, a province visited by roughly 33 per cent fewer U.S. citizens over the last five years, Seiling said. The city of Toronto bore the brunt of that impact, he added. Still, he admitted the city is doing fairly well and has successfully rebounded from the devastating effects of two deadly SARS outbreaks in 2003. Not including visits from stateside, international travel to Toronto has risen 50 per cent in the past five years. "But we are losing momentum and we need to get it back," Seiling said as he urged the Ontario government to spend $30 million on boosting tourism in the province and for Ottawa to dedicate an additional $100 million to the cause. "Unless action is taken now, we not only risk losing the gains we have made, but we could slide backwards." Seiling said tourism is down across the country, with a large chunk of the decline coming from travellers in border states who are discouraged by hassles crossing the border, the high dollar and the price of gas. Bruce MacMillan of Tourism Toronto said the biggest problem is Canada's reputation as a dull place. He said the country needs a national strategy to rebrand its image and called on the newly elected Conservative government to make tourism a priority. "Border security, currency rates, lingering perceptions of Canada that there's nothing to do - these are national issues," MacMillan said. "As soon as a new federal minister is appointed, we'll be seeking to open a dialogue with him or her to ensure that tourism issues are at the top of their federal agenda." Seiling complained that the Canadian Tourism Commission is underfunded by about $20 million. The agency currently gets about $78 million a year. By comparison, MacMillan said Australia spends more than $200 million annually on its national tourism strategy. MacMillan said the tourism industry brings $4 billion a year into Toronto alone and supports 100,000 jobs in the city, traditionally the destination of choice for most U.S. visitors. "The pain here is more," said MacMillan. "Over 50 per cent of our business is U.S.-based, so when that starts to drop off, we hurt more than anyone else." Finding out exactly why U.S. travellers are shunning Canada is the focus of a large-scale study by the Canadian Tourism Commission. Aside from exchange rates and difficult border crossings, there are other factors that have emerged anecdotally, said commission president Michele McKenzie. "It is becoming apparent that many neighbouring Americans are not sure Canadians still like them," she wrote in a recent article for Front Desk, an industry newsletter. "This perception is fuelled by geopolitical issues (such as Canada declining to join the war in Iraq) and also by some of the commentary floating across the border." The Comprehensive Study on U.S. Market Challenges is expected to be released later this month. __________________ Marc s. Emery quote: To be free in canada you have to spend a lot of time in jail.

02-03-2006, 05:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
Sir-Ex Learner Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 10,469 Thanks: 1,411 Thanked 3,131 Times in 1,874 Posts	SO... what you're saying is that less American tourists will be congesting my favourite places in BC? I don't see the problem. __________________ Smile Ditch the cigs!!!!!!

02-03-2006, 05:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
iamislegrown YaHookan Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 995 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I guess it's only a problem if you depend on it, other than that it could be a bonus. __________________ Marc s. Emery quote: To be free in canada you have to spend a lot of time in jail.

02-03-2006, 06:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
Flamingnun Shpadoinkle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: roflmao Posts: 17,538 Thanks: 1,046 Thanked 2,611 Times in 1,178 Posts	i was on vacation to canada for three weeks not so long ago, and those are probably the three most prominant memories i have. __________________

02-03-2006, 07:08 PM	#9 (permalink)
cactushead Old School Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Montreal Posts: 609 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	I dont want more americans here either. We are way too polite with the whole ignorant american traveller shit. They come here and act like idiots and wonder why their next vaction overseas ends up with them being beheaded. Stay at home americans. Still, in 2006, americans will come here in july looking for snow. I dont care how much money you have, stupidity like that could rub off. Its just not worth it, think of our own canuck children, you want them exposed to shit like that? __________________ My style is impetuous. My defense is impregnable, and I'm just ferocious. I want your heart. I want to eat his children. Praise be to Allah! - Mike Tyson

02-03-2006, 06:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
cheese rat in a cage Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bud Capital Canada Posts: 1,039 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	go away people! its getting too crowded!

02-04-2006, 10:57 AM	#13 (permalink)
Reagan Not Dead Yet Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 4,840 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	I often forget Canada even exists. __________________ "In reggae it is possible to dance and contemplate revolution, anger at oppression, the cruelties of life, the beauty of sexuality, the humour of human existence - all at the same time." Kwame Dawes "Who feels it, knows it..."

02-04-2006, 11:28 AM	#15 (permalink)
Human-yo Posts: 32,562 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 4,364 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 83 Thanked 105 Times in 76 Posts	so canadians wouldnt be happy if human-yo came for a visit? __________________ Love, Human Brought to you by Carl's Jr.

02-04-2006, 11:33 AM	#17 (permalink)
Human-yo Posts: 32,562 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 4,364 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 83 Thanked 105 Times in 76 Posts	my ultimate goal in life is to move to canada, and brainwash the people hitler-style, become dictator, and ban marijuana. that'd show you canadian fuckers how not awesome you are. /don't know what i'm talking about __________________ Love, Human Brought to you by Carl's Jr.

02-04-2006, 11:42 AM	#19 (permalink)
vanilla the cunning linguist Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: 514 Posts: 5,330 Thanks: 9 Thanked 115 Times in 80 Posts	. __________________ Last edited by vanilla; 03-05-2008 at 08:40 PM.

02-04-2006, 11:50 AM	#20 (permalink)
SmokeSomeDoja Lushous Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Erogenous Zones Posts: 17,396 Thanks: 238 Thanked 445 Times in 279 Posts	^you could actually get in a lot of trouble for that. __________________ fotoz fo yo azz "I've run over black cats that were luckier than me."

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