Burlington, Vermont, Launches Initiative to Attract Canadian Tourists Amid Political Tensions
In a bid to revive tourism from Canada, Burlington’s City Council has approved a resolution to spend up to $3,000 on promotional materials and signage. The initiative seeks to welcome Canadian visitors who have been discouraged from traveling to the U.S. following President Trump’s contentious remarks and imposed tariffs. "This is a small but powerful way to celebrate our neighbors to the north," said Councilor Becca Brown McKnight, the resolution’s lead sponsor, who underscored the sentiment with Canadian flags and themed attire.
The heart of the initiative centers around Church Street, Burlington’s bustling four-block pedestrian mall. McKnight characterized the effort as a “symbolic and lighthearted gesture," addressing profound declines in cross-border visits, with recent data showing a 38% drop in Canadian visits to the U.S. This downturn has heavily impacted Vermont, where nearly 30% of visitors in northern regions typically come from Canada.
Burlington, positioned just 95 miles from Montreal, has traditionally thrived on summer tourism from Canadians. However, concerns have been raised by some council members regarding other pressing local issues like public drug use and homelessness. The conversation, although spirited, resulted in unanimous support for the resolution, with the exception of one councilor who expressed doubts about its effectiveness.
Despite mixed feelings from constituents about the initiative’s focus, the council members agree on the importance of countering xenophobia. Councilor Eugene Bergman emphasized the seriousness behind the resolution, viewing it as a response to federal hostility toward Canada. The final vote, which saw one councilor humorously change “yes” to “oui,” reflects a commitment to fostering goodwill with the city’s northern neighbors during these politically charged times.
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