Latest news with #ErinCrane
CTV News
04-07-2025
- CTV News
Increase in summer highway traffic has southern Alberta officials urging caution, patience
As many hit the road for summer vacations, the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is reminding drivers to be prepared. As many hit the road for summer vacations, the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is reminding drivers to be prepared. 'Make certain your vehicle is safe. Do a walk-around on it, check your fluids, check your tire levels, especially if you have a trailer,' said Dennis Porter, a supervisor with AMA's drivers' education. On Friday, a steady stream of vehicles and RVs could be seen leaving Lethbridge on Highway 3 west of the city. 'Throughout the first six months of the year, we do know here at the Visitor Information Centre we've seen an increase in the number of people compared to last year,' said Erin Crane, Tourism Lethbridge CEO. Crane says that number is only going to go up throughout the next two months. Last year, Tourism Lethbridge saw 175,000 people from out of town attend events in the city. In June, the federal government announced the Canada Strong Pass, which includes free admission into Canada's national parks this summer. But Crane says the incentive may actually draw tourists away from the parks and to smaller destinations with fewer crowds. 'This is a great opportunity for us here across the southern Alberta region,' explained Crane. 'We really are that alternative to some of those key areas like Waterton Lakes, Banff and Jasper.' It's not just Albertans hitting the road this summer. Crane says the organization has seen an increase in Americans visiting Lethbridge over the past few months. According to Statistics Canada, in May, return trips from the U.S. at land border crossings declined by 38.1 per cent compared to the year before. 'When we can attract people from the United States, that increases that visitor spending, and even more so if we can attract people from international markets,' said Crane. However, the added traffic does come with an increased risk for travellers. 'The summer months, to be honest, those are usually where there are more fatalities on the roads,' said Porter. According to the Alberta government, 297 people died on Alberta's highways in 2023. Porter says the most proactive thing drivers can do this summer is to be patient on the roads. 'When you're relaxed about your time and you know you're not rushed, you'll have a tendency to be a little bit safer,' he said.
CTV News
04-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Tourists expected to flock to southern Alberta this summer
LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. — The warm weather means the travel season is almost here, and those in the tourism industry are expecting it to be a busy summer in southern Alberta. Tourist hot spots are gearing up for what they hope will be a busy summer. 'We are seeing some optimism. We're also seeing a lot more visitors coming in. Our U.S. numbers are up from those crossing the border from the same time last year, and we're anticipating some additional domestic travel,' said Erin Crane, the CEO of Tourism Lethbridge. Most tourist destinations are expecting a surge in domestic visitors. Many Canadians have cancelled American holiday plans due to the ongoing trade war. Tourism Lethbridge Tourism Lethbridge is preparing for a busy summer travel season in 2025. (CTV News) International visitors may also be choosing Canada this summer over the United States. 'But we also know that this creates an opportunity for those travellers from farther afield. And we are seeing the interest there from, you know, our European partners, our partners out of Asia,' said Crane. Waterton Lakes National Park has already noticed a big boost in visitors. Last month was the busiest May the park has seen, which could show a trend toward one of the busiest summers on record for the park. 'Waterton looks to be very busy this summer. You know, we still have a good chunk of our American tourism coming. International tourism is up. And Canadian tourism is up. I think a lot of folks are staying home this year,' said Shameer Suleman, president of the Waterton Chamber of Commerce. Tourist destinations south of the border, meanwhile, are preparing for a potential drop in Canadian visitors. Whitefish, Montana has seen about a 20 per cent drop in Canadian tourists this year. But a rise in domestic American travellers could help offset those losses. '(It) remains to be seen in terms of how summertime will play out. I mean, we do have, you know, Glacier National Park, so many, you know, recreational amenities that are so close to the border,' said Brian Schott, Explore Whitefish's media relations manager. 'So, it still remains to be seen. We hope to see our Canadian friends in Whitefish for sure.' About 175,000 people from outside Lethbridge attended events in the city last year.
