What effects will high fuel prices and a risingCanadian dollar have on local tourism?

Tae Oum

Professor of operations and logistics, Sauder School of Business, UBC

“Obviously it will have an impact. High fuel prices means airfares and automobile-driving will become expensive. The strong dollar will also put the pressure on U.S. and other overseas travellers to Canada. It makes the Canadian destination a little more expensive as compared to other countries.”

Albert Fok

Vice-president, Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area Society

“I wouldn't say too negative. We get a lot of cruise-ship passengers, and they have already booked the tour, so I don't see too much impact or change in itinerary due to high fuel prices. In terms of U.S. tourists, perhaps, but I think Vancouver has noticed a downturn since 9/11 and all the border formalities.”

Nancy Stibbard

Owner, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park

“American traffic is down, no doubt about that. I'm sure that the fuel, the Canadian dollar, and maybe even the [American] passport issue are affecting them in terms of having a positive attitude about coming to Canada….But our numbers are up considerably over last year.”

Brian White

Coordinator, tourism-management program, Capilano College

“For tourism, it [the high Canadian dollar] simply increases the travel deficit. This means we're going to have more people and money going out of the country than we have coming in. That is the number-one effect.”