Southwestern Ontario tourism strong so far this summer, but U.S. visitors still crucial

This summer's sunny weather paired with a desire by some Canadians to cut the U.S. from their summer travel plans seems to be having a positive effect on local tourism.

Although tourism officials have yet to release data for hotel stays or visits to tourism information centres, municipalities in southwestern Ontario that spoke with CBC all agree local attractions are faring well this season. 

Jenna Ujiye, tourism manager for the city of Goderich, said the town is seeing something different from past summers: a lot of licence plates from out of province.

"We're seeing a tonne of different Canadian visitors than we have before. Licence plates from Quebec, Saskatchewan, that kind of thing," she said. 

"With this weather, our beaches have just been packed," Ujiye said. "There's not many spots available to park down at the waterfront. Stores have been commenting that with the heat, that things have been busier."

U.S. President Donald Trump's move to impose tariffs on Canadian imports and his repeated suggestions that Canada should become the 51st state have changed the flavour of this year's travel season. 

More than halfway through the summer, the number of trips to the U.S. taken by Canadians has dropped sharply, and U.S. visits to Canada are also down. Some U.S. operators are offering Canadians specific deals in an effort to restore the number of visits. 

'It's a plesant surprise to see more Americans,' says councillor 

Coun. Bill Whetstone represents a ward in the municipality of Bluewater that includes Bayfield, a popular spot with tourists. He said they're seeing more U.S. visitors than last year.

"It's a pleasant surprise to see more Americans," said Whetstone. "They're spending money. The exchange rate helps us on that." 

Downtown retailers are reporting foot traffic that's on pace with last year, he said. "Our retailers seem happy."

Events hosted by Bayfield are helping to drive visits to the Lake Huron town, he said. This year's annual Vette Fest — a celebration of all things related to the Chevrolet Corvette — set an attendance record.

Cheryl Finn of Tourism London said all indicators show visits to London are strong this summer. She said hotel operators reported a brisk business during events like Sunfest, for example. 

"There was significant hotel pickup through overnight stays," she said. 

London added two big draws for tourists this summer season, both located at 100 Kellogg Lane: The new Hard Rock Hotel opened in spring and the revamped Children's Museum opened in January.  

Both are doing well as Canadians who might otherwise drive south of the border are checking out London, Finn said. 

"There's a very strong feeling of Canadians wanting to support Canadians and Canadian businesses," she said. 

U.S. tourist visits still crucial

Finn said it's important not to let the political back-and-forth between Ottawa and Washington obscure the fact that U.S. visits remain crucial to the Canadian economy. 

A recent Tourism London marketing campaign is even targeting U.S. visitors. 

"Parking the rhetoric has been difficult and we're very grateful of Canadians supporting Canadians, but we can't forget the fact that our American visitors are just as welcome here," said Finn.