As the newly reappointed Progressive Conservative critic for tourism, Wellington – Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott plans to continue holding the provincial government to account for the state of the tourism industry in Ontario.
“Tourist operators – whether in urban centres or in small and rural communities – are facing significant challenges,” said Arnott. “The high Canadian dollar and confusion over U.S. border requirements are a real threat to jobs in Ontario.”
In a December statement in the legislature, Arnott criticized the Dalton McGuinty government for writing off the American tourist market. He has called upon the government to present a comprehensive plan, focusing on an effective marketing strategy, to bring back U.S. tourists.
Ministry of Tourism statistics show a 13.3 per cent decline in the number of inbound visits from U.S. border crossings from January to October last year. Still, Arnott is confident that with the right strategy, this trend can be reversed.
“We have so much to offer the world,” he said. “Across Ontario, including my own constituency of Wellington – Halton Hills, we have events and attractions that are second to none.”
John Tory, leader of the PC Party, commended Arnott for his work on the tourism file.
“Ted Arnott knows that a thriving tourism industry will require a real plan and some real investment – not the self-promotional ad campaigns we have seen from the Liberals,” said Tory.
“He won’t give up on the U.S. market and he will fight for increased and sensible marketing, a real long-term plan for the industry and much more consultation with industry players before big policy changes are made.”
