There's optimism that Sarnia-Lambton's tourism industry can capitalize on what's being called the "Trump Slump" coupled with a low Canadian dollar.
Canada has recently seen an 11% increase in visitors from the U.S., according to the Canadian Tourism Commission. An 8% drop in American tourism is also forecast this year.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton Interim GM Joy Sim-Robbins says Canadians are now more likely to stay at home due to safety concerns and potential hassles at the U.S. border.
She says there's a push to attract visitors from the U.S. as part of Canada's 150th birthday celebrations.
"We've had some calls and some contact from companies that we have not seen come to our area in three or four years," says Sim-Robbins. "All of a sudden, they're reaching out to us and wanting to know what's new and exciting and what they can bring a tour over for. A bus full of 45 people has a huge economic impact."
"We think this year will be an even better year for tourism overall. As much as Canadians don't like the American dollar, especially for those people that like to shop in the states, I think it'll make people look at Ontario and other areas. Maybe they'll stay at home and visit some areas that they don't normally go to."
Sim-Robbins says TSL has been featured in Lakeland Boating Magazine and have also purchased some ads.
She says they've created some bus tours to give U.S. residents a chance to explore all that Sarnia-Lambton has to offer.
