Tariffs create uncertainty for P.E.I. tourism industry — but possibly opportunity as well
'We're kind of like the East Coast Hawaii' for Canadians not wanting to visit the U.S.
Some members of the P.E.I. tourism industry are optimistic that tensions between Canada and the United States will bode well for business this year, though others are worried about the impact of political uncertainty.
Corryn Clemence, the CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island, said there is a lot of potential for numbers to pick up, although there is no way to know for sure.
"We're really trying to work with industry and focus on what those successes can be," she said.
With Canada's dollar relatively weak against the U.S. currency, Clemence said it is likely the province will see a bump in American tourists, hoping to get more bang for their buck.
At the same time, some in the industry think Canadians not wanting to travel in the United States as long as President Donald Trump maintains punitive tariffs might choose to vacation close to home.
That's the prediction of George Jia, an economist based at the University of Prince Edward Island.
"The weakened Canadian dollar is actually going to attract more international tourists… so it's kind of the opposite of what's happening in the U.S.," Jia said.
"In Canada, a lot of people are actually boycotting going to the U.S., obviously because of the trade war that is going on."
Coady Campbell, the owner of Water Price Corner Shop in Charlottetown, said he's not sure how the trade war will affect his business. He doesn't keep track of how many of his customers at the seasonal seafood restaurant and shop are American, but he is sure he would notice if they stayed away.
"I don't really know what side of the fence I land on right now, whether I'm optimistic, pessimistic," he said.
"Certainly there's a lot going on politically... We hope it's an opportunity for a lot of American tourists to come and visit Canada."
Domestic travel to increase?
Campbell is among those who hope Canadians cancelling travel plans to the U.S. they will chose to visit P.E.I. instead.
"We're kind of like the East Coast Hawaii... So it's a great chance to come and get some weather, beach, great food, hospitality," he said.
"Canadians have never been more patriotic than we are right now," Clemence said, adding that she thinks there's an opportunity to "really drive that domestic traveller and encourage Canadians to travel within Canada."
Flair Airline is on board with that approach. In the past week, the low-cost airline reversed a decision to stay away from P.E.I. for the 2025 tourism season and will now offer flights between Charlottetown and Toronto's Pearson International Airport three days a week starting in April.
"Canadian customers are excited to explore their own backyard this summer and can think of few better destinations than Prince Edward Island and Charlottetown," Eric Tanner, Flair's vice president of revenue management and network planning, said in an interview with CBC News.
As for the passenger ship business, Port Charlottetown's director of marketing and cruise development said that they have yet to notice a change in booking patterns.
"It's especially important to emphasize the value of remaining welcoming to all visitors," Kelly Murphy told CBC News. "Port Charlottetown has always been built on warm welcomes."
Clemence echoed Murphy's remarks, saying it's important for Islanders to remember that American tourists help the Canadian economy and should not be made to feel responsible for the actions of their government.
"[Americans] are very important to our tourism matrix," Clemence said. "They represent a significant number of travellers. When it comes to our international visitors, I think it might be 70 per cent."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Wayne Thibodeau and Jackie Sharkey