“I think it should be optional at this point. COVID is not prevalent as much anymore”: American tourist
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Most passengers at Pearson welcomed Ottawa’s decision to scrap mandatory travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic.
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“I hope that means we are getting back to our old normal,” said Gillian Mikalachki, returning from five weeks in Europe with her mother Amanda.
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The two nurses say giving people the choice is the right move.
“I think it’s going to be wait and see. As flu season comes in, I think we’re going to have to wait and see,” said Amanda Mikalachki.
“I mean, travel is not fun having to wear a mask, but if it helps to prevent spread, I’m happy to do it.”
Starting Oct. 1, passengers will longer have to use the ArriveCan app, quarantine, test or show proof of vaccination when they travel. They also won’t have to wear masks on planes or trains.
“In the United States, you have not had to wear a mask on flights for six months,” said Alex Cantini, of Pittsburg, who added it took him about 10 minutes to deal with the ArriveCan app.
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“I think it should be optional at this point. COVID is not prevalent as much anymore,” said Gary Stab, also from Pittsburgh.
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Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati has been among a group of border mayors eager to see travel restrictions eased or scrapped.
“It’s frustrating we lost another tourism season after two devastating seasons,” said Diodati.
“Our bigger concern now is the long-term residual effect: have Americans changed their habits?”
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) also welcomed the move.
“For many months, we have been unequivocal in calling on the federal government to lift all remaining COVID-19 restrictions on travel and ensure Canada’s global competitiveness in tourism,” said Beth Potter, president and CEO of TIAC.
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“We are heartened the government of Canada has heeded our calls, after two long, difficult and devastating years for our industry,” Potter said. “We are now focused on rebuilding tourism back to the $105 billion economic powerhouse it was pre-pandemic.”
Airlines have also spent months urging a relaxation of measures, as Canadians returned to travelling but encountered a spring and summer of airport delays.
“Air Canada welcomes the removal of these restrictions, acknowledging that air travel is safe and that the measures were not justified by science. We believe it will greatly facilitate travel.” said Craig Landry, chief operating officer of Air Canada.