War-free, offering great vistas with a low crime rate, Canada has long been known as a visitor-loving destination. But the country’s tourist market is slipping for several reasons.
They include taxes and tougher visa laws, says Tourism-Review.com.
“The maple leaf on the Canadian flag even became one of the world’s leading brands, a symbol of freedom, equality and a high standard of living. The situation, however, is changing as Canada is slipping down the pecking order,” the site says.
Inbound travel from Mexico and some other areas has been crippled by new requirements for visas.
“The second reason is that taxes and security costs have crippled many tourists. Ottawa has been strongly criticized for increasing airport taxes,” the site says.
But a final reason is perhaps most significant: There are many countries around the world with rapidly improving tourism sectors.
The site says:
“Austria, Germany, Malaysia and the Ukraine, to name just a few, have or are about to surpass Canada in terms of inbound tourism. New markets are getting stronger and providing greater competition for Canada. Tourists now prefer to go to more unknown and much cheaper destinations without the insult of a visa and the financial burden of high taxes.”
By David Wilkening
