A bill that would allow U.S. cruise ships to temporarily bypass Canadian ports could have a “devastating impact” on the B.C. tourism industry, the CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority said Friday.
“Cruise tourism to British Columbia is significant, it’s worth over $2.7 billion a year to the Vancouver, Victoria, Prince Rupert, Nanaimo economy,” Robertson said.Concerns raised about proposed Alaska cruise ship legislation that could cost B.C. millions “I’ve read the legislation, it is very clear, it states that as long as the Canada U.S. border is closed, this waiver in effect,” Robertson said.
“We need a plan. Whether it’s cruise tourism or tourism in general, you need a plan to open up and we’re not saying it’s now, but how?”The Ministry said B.C. Premier John Horgan has reached out to meet with Alaskan senators in the coming weeks.Impact of Canada’s decision to extend large cruise ship ban – Feb 11, 2021As expected, the legislation is clear that the changes would be automatically rescinded when Canadian ports are reopened to cruise ships.