In light of the recent announcement on changes to visa requirements for Mexican citizens, TIAO and 14 other tourism industry partners have sent a letter to The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, calling for the immediate implementation of an expedited visa processing time for those with pre-booked departures to Canada (prior to the announcement).
Mexico is one of Ontario’s top five international markets, accounting for $236 million in visitor spending and 230,600 visits annually. With Mexico being an important visitor market for Ontario, tourism industry in Ontario and Canada is already seeing immediate financial impacts resulting from the changes, with longer-term impacts forecasted that will hamper the regrowth of the visitor economy. The negative financial impact of the visa requirement changes comes at a time when tourism businesses are still recovering. As tourism operators continue to shoulder the burden of debt repayments, labour shortages, inflation, and rising commercial costs, we need policy measures that make it easier—not more difficult—for visitors to come to Canada.
Have your business been affected by this recent announcement? Share your experience and insights at jng@tiaontario.ca.