Canadians are canceling their travel plans to the United States in protest against Donald Trump’s economic and geopolitical actions targeting Canada. The President has imposed 25% tariffs on many Canadian goods and has repeatedly expressed interest in annexing Canada as the ‘51st state.’ These actions have led to a significant backlash among Canadians, with many deciding to boycott U.S. tourism. This decision is expected to result in billions of dollars lost for the American tourism industry.
Canadians are traditionally the largest group of foreign visitors to the United States, contributing $20.5 billion annually. Popular destinations like Florida, California, Nevada, New York, and Texas have been particularly affected by this boycott. Reports indicate that bookings at U.S. hotels near the Canadian border have dropped significantly. For instance, CoStar Group reported an 8% decrease in demand for hotel rooms in Niagara Falls, New York, and a 12% drop in Bellingham, Washington.
A recent survey found that nearly half of Canadians were less likely to visit the U.S. this year, with many opting to travel within their own country instead. Catherine Prather, president of the National Tour Association, has heard from numerous members about Canadian travelers canceling tours they had already booked. This shift reflects a growing sense of disrespect among Canadians, who feel disrespected by Trump’s policies.
Lorna Hundt, CEO of Great Canadian Holidays, reported that most of her company’s U.S. tours are now ‘dead in the water’ due to cancellations from Canadian customers. She emphasized that the anger is directed at Donald Trump and his administration, not the American people. The sentiment is that if Trump is waging an economic war with Canada, why would Canadians spend money in the United States when they don’t have to?
The impact of this boycott extends beyond hotels and tours. Accommodations and attractions across the country are feeling the effects as fewer Canadian visitors translate into reduced revenue and potential job losses. This situation highlights how geopolitical tensions can directly affect economic sectors like tourism, creating ripple effects throughout local communities.
In conclusion, Trump’s policies have inadvertently caused a significant shift in travel patterns, with Canadians choosing to support their domestic economy instead of visiting the U.S. This boycott not only affects the tourism industry but also serves as a clear example of how political actions can influence consumer behavior and economic outcomes.