'It will be bumpy': Tourism set to take off after Canada's travel vaccine is dropped
Unvaccinated Canadians are allowed to travel on planes and trains once again. The federal COVD-19 vaccines are no longer in place for domestic travellers and Canadians heading to international destinations.
"I think it provides more opportunity for domestic travel and just reduces yet another barrier as we start to recover as an industry," said Hala Dehais, the academic chair with SAIT's School of Hospitality and Tourism.
"I think it can be very positive for our industry."
The rule changes, which were officially 'suspended' on Monday, mean anyone taking a train or plane within the country will not have to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine. Masks are still required in all airports.
Canadians also won't need to show proof when flying internationally, though unvaccinated Canadians will still face quarantine and testing requirements when returning. It's worth noting, however, that destinations such as the United States and Australia still require all visitors to be vaccinated for the virus.
The changes to travel requirements come during an already-busy travel season, one that has seen long waits and delays at most major airports across the world. In Canada, some of those delays are partially being blamed on labour shortages among airlines and airport staff.
VACCINE MANDATE FOR FEDERAL WORKERS LIFTED
As of Monday, the vaccine requirement for federal workers and transportation employees was lifted, too.
"I guess the hope would be just to become more efficient and have less lines and, you know, get back to how we were traveling before," said Kylan Falk a travel specialist with Civilized Adventures in Calgary.
On the hospitality and tourism side, the industry has been resilient through more than two slow years, said Dehais. The boost is also much needed, she added.
"I think it will be bumpy. The recovery will certainly be bumpy as we see labour shortages here in Alberta as well as globally in the industry.
"As we build back up, I think we need the demand in order to build that workforce back up and I think the consistency will help us do that," Dehais said.
Canadians also won't need to show proof when flying internationally, though unvaccinated Canadians will still face quarantine and testing requirements when returning.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Toronto eliminated from PWHL playoffs
Toronto has been eliminated from the PWHL playoffs.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.