The worldwide shutdown of the global tourism industry, brought on by a pandemic that has shuttered borders, and cancelled vacations, has resulted in the loss of an estimated $935 B in the first ten months of 2020 alone. As a result, the cruise industry has become one of the largest casualties compared to other industry sectors.
As Canada moves forward with its restart plan, it is important to note that all facets of the industry–from small tour operators to the cruise lines themselves, have spent the past 14 months working through operational protocols to ensure the safe return of cruising. As cruise resumes in many areas around the globe, now is the time for Canada to provide clear direction for the resumption of this vital industry sector that represents $4.3 billion in total output, 30,000 jobs, with $2.7 billion contributed to the BC economy alone.