Hotels feel pinch [Lose millions as U.S. biz cancels]

Toronto Sun ^ | 2003-03-29 | Kathleen Harris

[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.

[philetus]

leaving him worried the business trend will continue into the tourist market"

Oh, it will Pollard, it will.

[patton]

Virginia is a nice place to vacation...

[SolutionsOnly]

" 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?"

And following that logic, what Cynthia McKinney or Maxine Waters says represents ALL of America? I think not!

There have been several stand-up efforts coming out of Canada in recent days! It's more constructive to recognize support and support these efforts, for they represent the electorate that will oust the Liberal Government.

So yes, by all means boycott Quebec and Ontario! That's where this liberal crap comes from! But those Canadian that support us should be appreciated for what they really are!

[FreedomPoster]

Thanks!

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Come on down to the Lake of the Ozarks. Warmer weather. Good fishing. People might talk funny down here, but no more so than up north...

[Hila]

Thanks to Canada's aggressive hate toward America and same coming from other nations, we are finally going to spend in America. Vacation in our homeland, buy American products, the way it should be. GOD BLESS AMERICA, land that we love, may America love HIM more than our own convenience.

[Happy2BMe]

"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."

That's like the whore telling the pimp to candy up to the john who just got a good case of clap.

[patton]

Fredricksburg, Jamestown, Williamburg, Manassas...

[Happy2BMe]

"Let us not forget, however, that it is not all Canadians, probably not even a majority, who think this way."

WRONG! An endless stream of vulgarity has oozed out of Canarda ever since Dubya sat behind the desk in the Oval Office.

BOYCOTT THE HELL OUT OF CANADA!

[Living Stone]

I drove through Canuckistan on my way to the salmon fishing in Alaska last year.

This year, I will be taking a ferry, which will cost more than driving through Canada, but it will allow me to not spend a single red cent in thier country.

There will be a different tune coming from up north before Independence Day.

[NeonKnight]

Lake of the Ozarks is nice, but if you want to catch a trophy Striper, try Beaver Lake.

Garfield, Ar.

[Zebra]

Until Prime Minister Jean Chretien is gone and is replaced by a partner who will stand with us in the global battle on terror, Canada will simply be North Mexico to me and get zero of my personal or business travel dollars. This is a real personal hardship, as I love to fly fish the Garden River every late summer.

[Happy2BMe]

Canukistan's Sino lineage is finally surfacing in the face of their ugly gubberment.

[Loyalist]

Chretien has spent the last ten years in search of a legacy.

Now he's got one, built on the backs of thousands of Canadians who stand to lose their jobs and businesses to an economic boycott.

Enjoy your legacy, Chretien, because we sure as hell won't!

[JoeSixPack1]

hat's where this liberal crap comes from! But those Canadian that support us should be appreciated for what they really are!

What they really are is worried we won't spend our money there. Screw em. ALL of 'em. When they prove they are again our friend I'll give 'em some slack.

[duckbutt]

shhhhh! You don't want to share all of Virginia's secrets, like lush national parks, rivers, Shendoah Valley, Blue Ridge mountains, Virginia Beach, the Chesapeake peninsula, so close to DC.......shhhhhh!! :-)

Come on down (or up) we're friendly - - (except for the rabid drivers in No. Virginia).

[bert]

If there are no American tourists, perhaps they can find some from Iraq.

[marlin]

our group of 4 spends 9 days spring fishing in canada - the opening weekend of northern fishing through the week through the opening weekend of walleye fishing in canada - not this year becuase of these comments - instead we are going to zippel bay in lake of the woods instead - spending our American money on American products in America

we usually spend about a grand each - so though it is not much from our groups boycott - hopefully when combined with other small groups we are being felt

you're either with us or against

marlin

[seams2me]

too bad, so sad.

[freedumb2003]

restaurants and other businesses lost our little pittance.

Add your "pittance" to about a million other "pittances" and you end up with a "boatload."

Multiply "boatload" by 1.5 (CAD to USD) and you end up with a "Sh*tload" of $$$.

Good for you and done in the noblest FReeper tradition!

As far as my reaction to this dismal news for Canada?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!