Soaring loonie causes concern for ANTA

MP Anthony Rota congratulates John Link ANTA Past President and board member for being awarded the 1st annual Ted Day award, and for his 23 years plus commitment to ANTA.

With the loonie at par with the American greenback Almaguin-Nipissing Travel Association's (ANTA) Executive Director Laurie Ypya warned members that they face significant challenges in the year ahead.

“There are a number of factors we are facing the dollar, the war, and passport policies all impact our economic successes,” she explains during their 32nd annual meeting Wednesday.

“Trends are changing and people are suffering from time poverty they are traveling for shorter periods of time.”

Ypya says in order for ANTA members to do well in the coming year it is important the message is in unison and that they develop partnerships.

“There needs to be positive talk about what is here in the area.”

On a positive note Ypya was happy to announce that the Ted Day Memorial Fund has $11,000 for grants and bursaries for hospitality students at Canadore College.

“It’s open to 2nd or 3rd year students who’s overall academic standing is good as well as demonstrating a passion and energy for the tourism industry and going above and beyond what the course requires.”

“Ted believed in education and in his community too and we wanted to help carry that on.”