Tourists' perceptions of the Canada-USA border as a barrier to tourism at the International Peace Garden

This paper examines the role of international boundaries as perceived barriers to tourism. Borders that divide similar cultural groups and where few safety issues exist are the focus of this study. Qualitative data were gathered from visitors at the International Peace Garden on the USA-Canada boundary, and interviews were conducted with administrators and border officials to see whether or not this frontier is perceived to be a barrier to tourism and if so to understand the nature of its barrier functions. For most tourists, the Canada-USA border does not function as a major barrier to travel. However, for a small cohort it does, and the crossing formalities, border officials, and lack of information work together to create a subjective hindrance to travel at a place where good international relations otherwise exist. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.