Canadian tourists are boycotting travel to the United States in response to President Donald Trump’s 25% trade tariffs on Canada, posing a significant threat to the US travel industry. Canadians, who represent the largest group of foreign visitors to the US, spent $20.5 billion in the past year, according to the US Travel Association. However, the strained diplomatic relations have led many to reconsider their travel plans, impacting popular destinations like Florida, California, Nevada, New York, and Texas.
Evidence of the backlash is emerging, with hotel reservations near the Canadian border, such as in Niagara Falls, NY, and Bellingham, WA, declining by 8% and 12%, respectively, over a four-week period earlier this year. Tourism industry leaders, including Catherine Prather, president of the National Tour Association, express growing concern, noting that Canadians feel disrespected and are canceling booked tours. Lorna Hundt, CEO of Great Canadian Holidays, stated that most US tours are now “dead in the water” as Canadian customers withdraw, emphasizing that the anger is directed at Trump, not the American people.
This boycott highlights the economic consequences of trade disputes on the tourism sector, with Canadians questioning why they should spend money in the US amid an “economic war” they never sought. The situation underscores the interconnectedness of trade and tourism, with potential long-term impacts on the US travel industry.
