Despite the current political tensions between this country and the United States, the former chair of Hospitality NL says there is still a huge demand for a direct flight connecting St. John’s to the eastern U.S.

Deborah Bourden was succeeded by John Devereaux during the organization’s conference and trade show held in St. John’s last week.

Bourden says tension over tariffs has not had an impact on the number of bookings coming from American tourists.

While some Canadians are choosing to opt for vacation destinations outside the U.S., Bourden says there is still a need to reestablish a direct connection between the eastern United States and St. John’s—something that hasn’t been offered since the vapour trail between YYT and Newark last ran in 2015.

Bourden says while the main tourism markets are within Canada, the province is advertised along the eastern seaboard and there is a need to make it easily accessible.

She says direct connections are available to Halifax, and getting a direct route to St. John’s remains a top priority.