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Hotels feel pinch [Lose millions as U.S. biz cancels]
Toronto Sun ^
| 2003-03-29
| Kathleen Harris
Posted on 03/29/2003 7:14:13 AM PST by Lorenb420
OTTAWA -- Canada is already losing millions of dollars from corporate America, with several business groups cancelling big-ticket conventions and hotel rooms because of the federal government's anti-war stand.
Anthony Pollard, president of the Hotel Association of Canada, could not measure exact lost dollars but said the U.S. cancellations have explained in no uncertain terms they are not coming because we are not backing the Bush administration.
The "tangible" repercussions of the soured Canada-U.S. relations began this week, he said.
"Very clearly, they say it's because of our lack of support for America. They have told us outright, 'We're not coming because of this,' " Pollard said.
While he said it would be "inappropriate" to name specific business groups who have cancelled, Pollard said plans have been abruptly terminated in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver and Halifax. Some bus tour groups have also started to cancel trips, leaving him worried the business trend will continue into the tourist market.
With 239,000 hotel employees across the country, Pollard is encouraging staff to write the federal government raising concerns. On behalf of his association, Pollard fired off a letter to Prime Minister Jean Chretien yesterday urging him to restore "confidence, friendship and mutual respect" with the U.S.
"The chronic and sad fact is that we could be capitalizing on the U.S. visitor when they would typically wish to travel here as opposed to Europe and other overseas markets in times of and following global conflict," his letter reads.
"Instead it appears as if we will miss this opportunity entirely."
Pollard also blames chronic anti-U.S. rhetoric from senior politicians for turning off business visitors.
"We're simply saying we should support America. Don't go out and lambaste your friend when they're in time of need," he said.
Last year, more than 16 million Americans poured $8.5 billion into the Canadian economy.
TOPICS: Canada; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: canada; iraqifreedom
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1
posted on
03/29/2003 7:14:13 AM PST
by
Lorenb420
To: Lorenb420
hehehe.... the Canucks are whining eh? If you spit on and tell your customer to go take a hike don't be surprised if he doesn't return.
To: Lorenb420
The Canucks made their bed, let them sleep in it. Hope they have to eat thin gruel for awhile. Tough luck lads, YOUR government told the world what YOU thought of the US, now live with it.
3
posted on
03/29/2003 7:19:23 AM PST
by
cynicom
To: Lorenb420
There was another article from the last couple of days about Canadian auto parts suppliers feeling the heat from Detroit, in the form of reduced contracts, and encouraging their gov't to STFU.
To: Lorenb420
I love to go to Canada and have done so 2 of last 3 years, but won't for the reasons cited in this article for the forseeable future.
5
posted on
03/29/2003 7:20:19 AM PST
by
Ranger
To: Lorenb420
"But, but, but...mommy/daddy USA always has to take care of me...even though I scream that I hate them."
Wrong you mothers. Rot in hell, all you parasitical slimebag nations standing against us.
To: Lorenb420
Cancelled our scheduled trip to Vancouver in August just this week. American Airlines, Fairmount, and a host of restaurants and other businesses lost our little pittance. We'll just stay home and spend our money in Texas.
7
posted on
03/29/2003 7:23:00 AM PST
by
sinkspur
To: Lorenb420
Anyone from France reading this?
8
posted on
03/29/2003 7:23:38 AM PST
by
Drango
(Two wrongs don't make a right...but three lefts do!)
To: goldstategop; cynicom
Let us not forget, however, that it is not all Canadians, probably not even a majority, who think this way. They, too, have a liberal mainstream media and some American hating politicians who have a big megaphone. I recall reading that there are plans in Canada to stage pro-USA rallies like ours, and Wayne Gretsky (sp?) and others have expressed pro-American solidarity.
9
posted on
03/29/2003 7:24:23 AM PST
by
Bigg Red
(Defend America against her most powerful enemy -- the Democrats.)
To: goldstategop; cynicom
I did not mean to imply in my other post that there should not be boycotting. If the people feel the pinch they will be more inspired to get rid of the jerks in the media and among their leaders.
10
posted on
03/29/2003 7:26:52 AM PST
by
Bigg Red
(Defend America against her most powerful enemy -- the Democrats.)
To: Lorenb420
Oh yes. I really want to visit a country and spend my dollars where a lawmaker calls me and fellow Americans "bastards".
I rank visiting Canada right up there with stabbing myself in the eye with an ice pick regarding things I want to do.
11
posted on
03/29/2003 7:27:05 AM PST
by
spectre
To: Lorenb420
Hey Canada, it's more then just the government. When there are constant anti-American statements, polls, etc. about how "evil" the US is, how our president is a moron, how you "hate those American bastards", why on earth would you think we'd want to come to your country?
We'll spend our dollars with people who actually like us.
To: Bigg Red
agreed....I did emphasize that it was the official position of their government. Someone up there in Canada put them in office, so not all Canucks are innocent. I have family and friends among them, I consider them as dummies,
13
posted on
03/29/2003 7:28:00 AM PST
by
cynicom
To: Ranger
Go to Alberta - those folks have been great in standing up for the USA!
To: Lorenb420
There are very nice accomodations for conventions in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, etc. (screw San Francisco, which is worse than Canada). Let's spend the money here.
15
posted on
03/29/2003 7:29:39 AM PST
by
doug from upland
(Protestors file Chapter 7 -- they are morally bankrupt)
To: cynicom
this article is the best news I've had in two days
16
posted on
03/29/2003 7:30:42 AM PST
by
mwl1
To: Lorenb420
but said the U.S. cancellations have explained in no uncertain terms they are not coming because we are not backing the Bush administration. Looks like the Toronto Sun couldn't resist the temptation to editorialize (negatively) in a news report.
Calling all Canuck Morons: this is the American People's war, not Bush's war...
Not rocket science.
To: Lorenb420
Truly neat stuff. The fit's hittin' the sham up north.
Nam Vet
18
posted on
03/29/2003 7:32:08 AM PST
by
Nam Vet
(When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading)
To: Lorenb420
Hubby is a fishing fanatic. He has told me that he will not be going to Canada fishing this year (usually spends in the thousands to go) -- plus he has heard many many many more, both personally and in internet groups he belongs to vow the same thing.
These $$$ from each of them add up...
19
posted on
03/29/2003 7:33:47 AM PST
by
coder2
To: FreedomPoster
Here's the article to which you refer.
20
posted on
03/29/2003 7:34:11 AM PST
by
missycocopuffs
(When did we start using tag lines?)
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