U.S.-Canadian strain affects popular Vermont tourist attractions
BURLINGTON, Vt. —
The United States-Canadian strain is affecting popular Vermont tourist attractions. But Vermonters said they’re finding ways to make up for it and are hoping it doesn’t last much longer.
“The negotiations that are taking place are so unnecessary,” said Gov. Phil Scott, (R) Vermont. “They’re our neighbors, our friends.”
Trade tensions between the two countries are putting pressure on the long-cherished relationship between Vermonters and Canadians.
“To lose them because of this disagreement is again so unnecessary,” said Scott. “It’s unfortunate and discouraging.”
It’s hitting local tourist attractions the hardest.
“[In 2015, 2016] we probably did four or five hundred Segway tours. This year, we’ll do a total of maybe 50 or 60,” said Rick Sharp, co-owner of Burlington Segways and Electric Bikes.
A once popular way to discover the Queen City is fading away with the decline in Canadian visitors.
Sharp said domestic tourism is helping make up the difference.
“Our American tourism is up a little bit this year, making up for the loss of tourism of 30%-40% at least from Canadians and probably close to that with Europeans,” said Sharp.
Annual music festivals are bearing the brunt of the impact.
“When I started my foundation, and I started this festival, my hope was I would bring them down,” said Grace Potter, Vermont artist and founder of Grand Point North Music Festival.
Potter is hosting Grand Point North this weekend on the Burlington waterfront.
She said she’s hoping Canadians stop by and remember how easy it is for us to connect with one another.
“Creativity is an amazing space that you can live in where, when there’s something controversial, when there’s discussions happening, creative people find a way to express what is going on in the world in a way that we really can’t argue with,” said Potter.
Gov. Scott said his administration is maintaining contact with our Canadian allies. He said the plan is to continue bridging the northern gap and hope for better days in the next few months.