US visits to Canada are at a record low in part because of an image problem south of the border.
“Same-day car visits have almost halved over the past six years, while overall visits have plunged 30%,” said the Globe and Mail.
Reasons cited: rising gas prices, a strong Canadian dollar and fears of increased security at the border.
The newspaper quoted tourism operators as complaining too little was being done to promote Canada, leading to a lack of knowledge about its various attractions.
Funds for the Canadian Tourism Commission have shrunk by almost a quarter since 2000. Worldwide, government investment in tourism has rose 11% last year, according to a United Nations study.
Canada is also falling in the international market.
Four years ago, it was ranked No. 7 as a worldwide destination. It recently ended up 12th for international arrivals.
Report by David Wilkening
