While there is a rare tourist-free opportunity this summer, the lack of international visitors comes at a steep cost for the tourism industry. Banff National Park usually attracts about four million people a year, and more than half the visitors are from outside Canada. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel hopes to attract Canadians this summer, followed by international travellers once border restrictions ease. 'We need that customer base,' says Michelle Murphy of Rocks and Gems Canada, about the low level of visitors to Banff so far this season. "We're now hoping that Canadians will take that big Canadian road trip with the family and come visit us here," Sorensen said.

Source: CBC News June 11, 2020 02:02 UTC