Vancouver tourism: Will the riots affect summer tourism?

Men stand on a flipped car. (Submitted by Ran Z)

Footage of rioting, smashed store windows, and burning cars in downtown Vancouver following the Stanley Cup final have reached international audiences and has prompted a discussion about whether the city's image and tourism industry will be affected.

Many CBCNews.ca community members thought the riots would dissuade tourists from visiting Vancouver.

• James 63 noted that the violent images were seen worldwide. "Good luck with your tourist industry... A shameful day for B.C. and all of Canada."

• "I guess you can kiss your tourist season goodbye," agreed cappigwar.

• Littlegoose agreed. "From the glory of the Olympics to the shame of Stanley Cup riots. It's going to be a quiet summer in Vancouver as tourists avoid the city."

phenoix wondered if people would want to visit Vancouver anymore. "Will professional sporting events avoid Vancouver in the future? How many will want to make Vancouver a tourist destination after this?"

Many commenters said they wouldn't go anytime soon.

• "Is this the kind of city I want to spend vacation dollars on this summer?" asked SNAFOO.

• Comatose still thinks it's a beautiful city, but... "I think I'll go elsewhere for my vacation."

• Swarlie now never wants to visit Vancouver. "What happened last night was disgraceful and will most certainly affect tourism."

But, not everyone was willing to scrap Vancouver as a tourist destination.

"Won't hold up my trip," wrote pella_rod87. "I'm heading to Vancouver in 4 days with some friends."

Has the riot changed your impressions of Vancouver? Do you think the city's tourism will decline this summer? Let us know in the comments below.


(This survey is not scientific. It is based on readers' responses.)