The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is sending a clear message to Americans planning a trip north this summer㽶Ƶֱyou㽶Ƶֱre welcome here.
Amid rising political tensions and cross-border chatter, the Chamber says it㽶Ƶֱs been hearing from concerned U.S. residents wondering if they㽶Ƶֱd be received warmly in Canada.
To ease those concerns, the organization has launched a simple but friendly campaign, a window decal that local businesses can display to show their openness to American visitors.
㽶ƵֱOur phone started ringing this spring,㽶Ƶֱ said George Greenwood, CEO of the Kelowna Chamber. 㽶ƵֱFrom callers in the U.S. asking if it was 㽶Ƶֱsafe㽶Ƶֱ to visit Canada or if they would be welcome given the rhetoric they were hearing and seeing in the media.㽶Ƶֱ
While Greenwood acknowledges the proudly 㽶Ƶֱelbows up㽶Ƶֱ Canadian response to recent talk of U.S. annexation, he said it㽶Ƶֱs understandable that tourists might feel unsure about heading across the border.
㽶ƵֱWhile we are proud of Canada㽶Ƶֱs response to U.S. threats of annexation, and the 㽶Ƶֱelbows up㽶Ƶֱ reaction, we understand it can be confusing for those who want to visit or vacation north of the border.㽶Ƶֱ
The Chamber designed a friendly, five-by-five-inch window sticker that reads 㽶ƵֱKelowna 㽶Ƶֱ A Warm Canadian Welcome 㽶Ƶֱ We share more than just a border.㽶Ƶֱ
The decals are free and available to both Chamber members and non-members. Greenwood hopes to see them popping up in shop windows, office foyers, and anywhere else visitors might look for a bit of reassurance.
㽶ƵֱWe hope that lots of stores, offices, public offices, will display the signage,㽶Ƶֱ he said.
Decals are available at the Chamber office from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday at 544 Harvey Avenue, or by calling 250-861-3627.