By
Rebecca Gibson |
Canada needs to simplify and streamline its visitor permit application process to boost cruise tourism figures, according to the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).
Currently, more than 35 different Canadian authorities require 52 different applications and permits from cruise operators before they can visit destinations in the Arctic Canada region. This includes permitting, licensing, clearance, inspection, review, certification, impact, registration and reporting requirements.
In an open letter sent to Canadian stakeholders that are involved with permitting requirements, the AECO highlighted the Canadian Arctic as “one of the most cumbersome, expensive and problematic regions in the world in which expedition cruise operators conduct tourism activities.”
According to AECO, while many operators would like to continue to bring global guests to Canada to enjoy its many attractions, the current permit process “keeps cruise operators, visitors and economic activities away from Canada.”
In addition, operators are concerned that the lack of clarity could lead them to become non-compliant.
“No Canadian body has been able to provide a complete list of requirements and/or a list of permitting authorities, so operators could easily oversee one or more requirements, which could result in a company unintentionally being non-compliant,” said Hans Lagerweij, president and CEO of Canada-based Quark Expeditions. “This complete lack of clarity is a serious concern for all operators.”
Frigg Jørgensen, executive director of AECO, believes that if this situation is not changed it will lead to a long-term loss of tourism and tourism-related business for Canada. She also called Canadian authorities to consult the industry and authorities in similar regions – such as Greenland or Svalbard – to streamline, or possibly reduce, the number of requirements.
“As an organisation representing Arctic expedition cruise operators, we strongly urge Canadian authorities to start a process in order to streamline the complex, time consuming, expensive and unclear permitting situation that is the reality in the Canadian Arctic today,” said Jørgensen.