Kelowna businesses to display signs welcoming American tourists

Sure, it's tense between the Canucks and the Americans right now.

The US President Donald Trump-prompted trade war and 51st state threats has put Canadians in 'elbows up' mode and many of us are vowing not to cross the border for summer holidays in the good ole US of A.

Yet, we want Americans to come to Canada to vacay and spend their money.

It's ironic, it's a little hypocritical and duplicitous, but it's also pragmatic.

Our beef is with Trump and his government's erratic policies.

Our beef is not with regular American tourists who may want to splash in Okanagan Lake, stay at the Delta Grand hotel, eat at restaurants on Bernard Avenue and sip at a local brewery or winery.

That's why the 1,000-member Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is urging local businesses to welcome visitors from the US this summer with a special initiative, launched this week.

The initiative is simple, but impactful.

A colourful five-inch by five-inch decal that businesses can display in their window.

Kelowna, in cursive script, is front and centre on the decal with crossed Canadian and American flags above it.

The wording encircling it reads: 'A warm Canadian welcome' and 'We share more than just a border.'

"We hope that lots of stores, (restaurants, hotels, tour operators), offices and public offices will display the signage," said Kelowna Chamber of Commerce CEO George Greenwood.

"Our phone started ringing this spring from callers in the US asking if it was 'safe' to visit Canada or if they would be welcome given the rhetoric they were hearing and seeing in the media. While we are proud of Canada's response to US threats of annexation and the 'elbows up' reaction, we understand it can be confusing for those who want to visit or vacation north of the border."

Businesses are encouraged to pick up the welcome decals from the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce at 544 Harvey Ave. Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm.

Businesses can also call the chamber at 250-861-3627 for more information or to arrange pick up or delivery.

"We have not delivered any of the decals yet. We are getting requests but haven’t hit the road to deliver any," said Greenwood.

"We will be notifying our members through our weekly newsletter (next week) about the decals so we expect a lot more traction once they are made aware."