Tourism at the Borders: Balancing Security and Hospitality is the first report in the Council of Tourism Association's new BC Tourism Review Series.  Sponsored by the Port of Vancouver and The Perimeter Clearance Coalition, the document offers a detailed analysis of current border crossing initiatives in Canada and the USA and how they are affecting the flow of visitors into Canada at this time.

Less-permeable borders greatly impact tourism and other trade dependent industries. Although border security now occupies the same social policy rung as health care and education, governments on both sides of the border now recognize that infrastructure improvements that ease the movement of people and goods across the border are vital to North America’s position in the global economy. If done properly, enhanced coordination among jurisdictions and their security agencies, registered traveller programs and new technologies have the potential to limit long wait times and protect Canada’s reputation as a safe but welcoming destination.

Balancing these concerns of security and hospitality is an act that must go well between Canada and its largest trading partner. No other single international tourism market is as important to British Columbia as the United States. Fortunately, information sharing amongst the two nations is at an all time high and the Smart border declaration has led to important joint-programs and improved coordination. Tourism though has lost some important ground of late. US-VISIT and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative are recent developments that will keep many tourists in longer line-ups and will force many American visitors to reconsider leaving home soil for a holiday in BC.

Purchase this report to read more on Canadian-American border crossing developments and how it could impact the tourism industry. 

* COTA Members recieve a 10% discount