Michael Barrett says
New data from researchers at the University of Toronto suggests travel to the United States by Canadians has dropped far more sharply than expected this year.
Cell phone data compiled by the researchers found cross-border trips were down nearly 42 per cent compared with the same period last year.
Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands-Rideau Lakes MP Michael Barrett says more Canadians are now choosing staycations and local tourism instead of heading south of the border.
Last summer, a friendship flotilla was organized along the St. Lawrence River to celebrate ties between Canada and the United States, but it did little to slow the decline.
MP Barrett says this summer should be a great opportunity to welcome more people to the region.
Tourism officials hope more Canadians choose to stay closer to home this summer, providing a boost for local attractions, restaurants and businesses across eastern Ontario and beyond.
Story by: Evan Gibb
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