‘It helps our economy and sends a clear message to President Trump that it’s not OK to treat us this way,’ chamber official says of banner local tourism season
Tourists have been flocking to Orillia’s plentiful festivals and popular events as part of a renewed surge in summer staycations that are boosting the local economy.
When Donald Trump was elected to his second term as president of the United States, it didn’t take long before he threatened tariffs on goods from Canada and suggested Canada become the 51st state.
Canadians reacted with the “elbows up” and “Canada is not for sale” movements. Many people cancelled or changed their holiday plans away from the United States and many have pivoted to summer staycations.
Kris Puhvel, executive director of Orillia & Lake Country Tourism, said local tourism is substantially higher than last summer and possibly beyond 2019 levels.
“I’ve heard from some resorts that this July was their best of all time. In talking to some retailers and museum operators, they are seeing some of their best numbers in a long time,” he said.
“If you’ve walked down Mississaga Street over the past few weeks or months, there is definitely a buzz of activity.”
Simon MacRae, co-owner of The Common Stove, PICNIC Tapas & Wine and The Hog & Penny pub, all in downtown Orillia, said business has been up more than 10 per cent at all three establishments.
“We’re busier than we’ve ever been at all three restaurants. It’s been a really good summer so far,” he said.
While he attributes it to the quality food and service, he’s also heard anecdotally that diners are exploring more of their home territory. He’s had some visitors from the U.S. and many from Quebec.
“We certainly get a lot of people from the (Greater Toronto Area) on vacation who are coming up to cottage country and realizing that Orillia is the hub of cottage country,” MacRae said.
His restaurants have a mandate to source local ingredients
“We avoid, wherever possible, buying anything American,” MacRae said.
Also, diners are expressing heightened attraction to Canadian wine, spirits and beer.
“There is a lot more interest in Canadian wines than there was before,” he said.
Michelle McNaney, general manager of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orillia, said the west Orillia hotel has had a “great year.”
“We were pleasantly surprised. We honestly didn’t know what this year was going to bring us, but it’s exceeded our expectations. Our numbers have been extremely good compared to last year,” she said.
Events at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, particularly the Boots and Hearts Music Festival, brought a lot of business to local hotels, she explained.
“I’m pretty sure the whole market sold out for Boots and Hearts.”
McNaney said she’s had a lot of domestic travellers, including many from Quebec, this summer.
While she thinks it’s partly to do with U.S. avoidance, she believes it’s also due to a lack of confidence in the economy.
“People are nervous about spending extra money, and so they are doing a lot more stay vacations,” she said.
Orillia travel agent John MacDonald, of Trevello Travel Group, said most people tell him, “U.S.A. is a non-starter.
“Almost all of my clients express an opinion on that. They do not want to even fly over the U.S.A. or use U.S.A. airlines,” he said.
MacDonald himself chose to work for Trevello Travel Group because the agency is Canadian owned and operated.
He’s finding more people are choosing European, Mexican and Caribbean vacations rather than U.S. destinations.
Cruises are the exception as most depart from southern Florida.
“I have clients that realize it’s the only way to enjoy their Caribbean cruises, so they have no choice and book anyway,” MacDonald said.
Corry Ticknor, owner of Orillia-based EPIC Luxury Vacations, said she’s seen a steady stream of Canadian travellers going to Europe. She also books a lot of cruises.
“I still have that huge demand for cruises, and a lot go out of the U.S.,” she said.
She’s also had many clients travelling to Western and Eastern Canada.
“Canada has so much to offer. It’s a beautiful country. People need to see it. I highly recommend it to everyone,” Ticknor said.
Allan Lafontaine, executive director of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce and harbour master at the Port of Orillia, talks with many people through his work. He said Canadians are angry with the tactics of the U.S. administration and are not vacationing in the U.S. to show it.
“People are spending money, but they are going to Spain, Portugal and Italy. They are bypassing the United States and going to Mexico,” he said.
“Border patrol are lonely. They are like the Maytag repairmen,” he joked.
With the Canadian dollar worth about 72 cents in the U.S., more people are choosing to vacation in Canada, and that’s “great” for the economy, said Lafontaine.
“Stay local and have some experiences. It helps our economy and sends a clear message to President Trump that it’s not OK to treat us this way.”
