Florida Tourism's Possible Comeback Depends on Canadian Border

After Canada relaxed its COVID-19 border restrictions, Florida economists expressed on Tuesday their optimism regarding the number of tourists already recovering would increase faster than expected from international travelers.

Canada Border's Role

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the decision of the White House by not allowing Canadian travelers to enter the U.S. remained, but Florida Economic Estimator Council members would make adjustments for individuals traveling south of the U.S.-Canada border on Tuesday.

Holger Ciuparo, the policy coordinator for the Governor's Office of Management and Budget, stated despite the fact that the border has been closed, it would be open. The policy coordinator added that Florida economists considered the long-term outlook for the economy of Florida.

Meanwhile, the Government of Canada announced on Monday that starting August 9, even without two weeks of quarantine, fully vaccinated U.S. citizens would be allowed to visit the neighboring country. Also, children under the age of 12 who were not approved for vaccination were exempted from quarantine regulations. However, they need to follow public health measures imposed by the Canadian government, such as avoiding certain group settings, camping, and daycare.

A Florida economist panel said that despite the growing uncertainty regarding the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant that shook the stock market on Monday, an economist panel from Florida reached pre-pandemic figures for Canada travel forecasts on Tuesday.

Amy Baker, the coordinator of the State Legislature's Bureau of Economic and Demographic Research, said that the state was still optimistic regarding travel predictions for Delta variants. Based on the latest numbers, less than 48% of Florida's eligible residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Moreover, Ciupalo, the policy coordinator, stated that he was hoping that the White House would be in line with the border policy changes of Canada within the next three weeks. Ciupalo recognized the threat brought by the Delta variant, but he highlighted that Canada vaccinated 70% of its people. He added that the U.S. was not able to reach the number but it would be Canadians who would visit Florida so there would be no problem.

The U.S. and Canada have restricted non-essential travel across borders due to the ongoing pandemic despite continuous vaccination rollout. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters Monday that they were still waiting for suggestions regarding traveling abroad. The U.S. government was waiting for guidance from public health and medical professionals.

Psaki added that they were taking such moves very seriously because it needs instruction from their medical professionals and not only through mutual intent.

Based on Visit Florida figures, Canadian travel to Florida in the first quarter of 2021 fell by 97.2%. From the same timeframe in 2020, Florida attracted 34,000 Canadians. The tourism agency of Florida also estimated that overall international tourism in the first quarter of 2021 decreased by 74.4 percent compared to the same period in 2020 which was ultimately affected by travel restriction brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida News Times reported.

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by Jess Smith

WATCH: Florida Tourism Expects Boost From Canada Border Changes - CBS Miami