Maureen Gordon, the co-owner of ecotourism outfit Maple Leaf Adventures, has faced her fair share of challenges over the years. She and her husband started their business in Vancouver just before the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, which devastated international travel. However, they were able to bounce back relatively quickly from that setback.
The COVID-19 pandemic, on the other hand, has proven to be a much more prolonged and difficult challenge for Gordon and other tour businesses in Canada. The pandemic forced them to shut down operations completely during government-mandated lockdowns, leading to financial struggles and uncertainty.
While 2022 saw a surge in domestic travel as Canadians sought to explore their own country, 2023 brought new challenges with rising interest rates affecting travel bookings. Despite the increase in interest in travel, businesses in the tourism industry continue to struggle with high debt loads.
The tourism industry as a whole has been slow to recover from the pandemic, with international visitor numbers still below pre-COVID levels. Small businesses in the sector are facing significant financial burdens, with many still carrying pandemic-related debt.
Despite the challenges, Gordon remains hopeful for the future, acknowledging the passion and determination of those in the industry. However, she emphasizes the need for support from the government to help businesses recover and thrive once again. The road to recovery may be unpredictable, but Gordon and others in the tourism industry are determined to overcome the obstacles and continue promoting Canada’s brand on the world stage.