Bring back American tourists, says MPP Ted Arnott Queen's Park – Wellington - Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, who is the PC Tourism critic, today delivered the following statement in the Legislative Assembly:
“Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate the member for Mississauga East - Cooksville on his appointment as Minister of Tourism.
“The new minister assumes office at a time when our tourism industry needs our support more than ever before. For many consecutive months, Ontario has seen a dramatic decline in the number of American visitors coming to enjoy our hospitality, our events and attractions.
“The most recent numbers show a decline of more than 10% in September since last year. Worse still, same-day travel was down by more than 15%.
“Writing off the American tourism market, as the McGuinty Liberal government has done, is really hitting home for our tourist operators. This means lost opportunities and fewer jobs.
“Our new Minister of Transportation, currently besieged by the auditor's report, would want us to believe that his new upgraded Ontario driver's licence helps to solve our US passport problem. In fact, it only makes it easier for Ontario residents to go cross-border shopping.
“The upgraded Ontario driver's licence does nothing to help bring Americans back to Ontario, because they may still need a US passport to get home, meaning they still won't be able to come to Ontario without one.
“Instead of leading people to believe that the upgraded licence helps tourism, the government must immediately present a comprehensive plan to strengthen the industry in the short and medium terms, focusing on an effective marketing strategy. The government needs to get to work. “Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”
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