Tariffs create uncertainty for P.E.I tourism industry — but possibly opportunity as well

Some members of the P.E.I. tourism industry are optimistic that tensions between Canada and the United States will bode well for business this year, though others are worried about the impact of political uncertainty. 

Corryn Clemence, the CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island, said there is a lot of potential for numbers to pick up, although there is no way to know for sure. 

"We're really trying to work with industry and focus on what those successes can be," she said. 

With Canada's dollar relatively weak against the U.S. currency, Clemence said it is likely the province will see a bump in American tourists, hoping to get more bang for their buck.

At the same time, some in the industry think Canadians not wanting to travel in the United States as long as President Donald Trump maintains punitive tariffs might choose to vacation close to home. 

That's the prediction of George Jia, an economist based at the University of Prince Edward Island. 

"The weakened Canadian dollar is actually going to attract more international tourists… so it's kind of the opposite of what's happening in the U.S.," Jia said. 

"In Canada, a lot of people are actually boycotting going to the U.S., obviously because of the trade war that is going on." 

Coady Campbell, the owner of Water Price Corner Shop in Charlottetown, said he's not sure how the trade war will affect his business. He doesn't keep track of how many of his customers at the seasonal seafood restaurant and shop are American, but he is sure he would notice if they stayed away. 

"I don't really know what side of the fence I land on right now, whether I'm optimistic, pessimistic," he said. 

"Certainly there's a lot going on politically... We hope it's an opportunity for a lot of American tourists to come and visit Canada."

Campbell is among those who hope Canadians cancelling travel plans to the U.S. they will chose to visit P.E.I. instead.

"We're kind of like the East Coast Hawaii... So it's a great chance to come and get some weather, beach, great food, hospitality," he said. 

"Canadians have never been more patriotic than we are right now," Clemence said, adding that she thinks there's an opportunity to "really drive that domestic traveller and encourage Canadians to travel within Canada."