The Canadian government announced Thursday that it would end, as of November 1, the ban on cruises in its waters taken because of the pandemic, a few months earlier than expected.
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Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said the ban
"would no longer be in effect if operators are able to fully comply with public health requirements"
, without giving details.
"We will welcome cruise ships, which represent an important part of our tourism sector, in Canadian waters in the 2022 season
,
"
Omar Alghabra said in a statement.
This announcement allows
"the cruise and tourism industry to prepare for the reception of ships in 2022, and sends a positive message to cruise lines for the planning of itineraries"
, greeted Croisières du Saint-Laurent, association bringing together nine stops along the river.
$ 4 billion per year
In February, the Canadian government extended for one year, until February 28, 2022, the ban in effect since April 2020. This ban concerns liners and other ships of more than 100 passengers and crew.
The cruise industry contributes 4 billion Canadian dollars (2.6 billion euros) per year to the Canadian economy and represents about 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to the ministry.
In 2019, Canada welcomed 140 liners from a dozen countries and carrying more than 2 million tourists, according to the same source.