For some tourism-related companies, 2020 will not go down as a high point in their history.

The novel coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the operations of numerous companies across northern New York. Necessary security protocols have forced many people to stay home over the past year instead of visiting popular websites.

In addition, cross-border traffic between Canada and the United States was closed to most people. Canadian tourists make up a good part of the hospitality market in the north of the country.

However, representatives of local tourism companies see good reason for optimism. You are seeing signs that the industry will do well this year.

“The people who run hotels, tourism destinations and attractions, and the local chambers of commerce believe the tourism industry will recover from a disastrous season last year when the state kept it open for two months because of the pandemic,” said it reported in the article. “Though hesitant to use the word ‘rebound’ to predict the season, Corey Fram, director of the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, said that all the signs are that people are returning to the north of the country to be in flux – and lake communities, enjoy the great outdoors and visit attractions like Boldt Castle and the Antique Boat Museum. He has already heard positive anecdotes about the occupancy of hotels. The trend towards outdoor recreation shows an increase of 200% over the previous year. The region’s state parks surpass all other parts of the state. “

This is proof that hotel and tourism companies will do better this year. Coronavirus infection rates have decreased and many people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. This has resulted in some safety requirements being relaxed, which gives more freedom for different activities.

However, strict restrictions remain on the Canadian border. It is not known when these rules will be revised and how this will affect tourism.

“At this point, nobody knows when the Canadian market will open. It depends on enough Canadians getting the COVID-19 vaccine. [Fram] said “so the story of the Times. “Last year, visitor numbers to Singer Castle decreased by 9,000, from around 23,000 in 2019 to 14,000 in 2020. Much of the decrease came from Canadian tourists unable to cross the border, either by car or on charter boat tours or on your own ships, said Jean Papke, deputy manager of the attraction. While Canadians may not be back in the north of the country this year, Kelly Layman, concierge at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton, said the hospitality industry could only rely on visitors from the state last year due to travel restrictions outside of the state. That situation has changed, she said. Travel outside of the states is reopened and the Harbor Hotel continues to offer romantic weekends and other promotions, she said.

We can all help to boost the local economy. Everyone should be vaccinated and should continue to follow prudent health measures when needed. This further reduces the risk of persistent infection and thus allows more freedom of movement.

And we should take chances when it is possible. Many people depend on the tourism, hospitality and events industries for a living – they keep our region strong. Let’s show them the support they deserve and let’s make 2021 an unforgettable season.

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