Monday, July 13, 2009

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Misery loves company You are not alone, Bahamas. Canada is right there with you as it reports a third consecutive quarter of declining tourism numbers. It's also pointing the blame at a drop in Yankee visitors. New data from the country to the north point to total spending on tourism having declined for the third consecutive quarter. It fell by 1.3 per cent, Statistics Canada said Monday. That kind of sustained drop in tourism spending — by both foreigners and Canadian travelers — hasn't been seen since just after Sept. 11 and the paralytic effect on American travel. Like this country, Canada relies on American tourists for the single largest injection into its tourism kitty. That depressing phenomenon isn't expected to change until the U.S. starts to show real signs of economic recovery. Still, experts are suggesting Canada may see improvements before we do. The majority of its American visitors arrive by car, a cheaper way to travel than the air and sea trips we rely on to bring in the American punters. Tuesday, June 30, 2009