Canada’s tourism to the U.S. faces a downturn as many Canadians boycott travel due to trade war-related discontent. Surveys show a notable drop in planned trips, while airlines reduce capacity to U.S. destinations. As a result, regions like Mexico and Costa Rica are seeing increased interest among Canadian travelers.
Recent surveys indicate a significant decline in cross-border travel from Canada to the United States, affecting tourism revenues and prompting changes in marketing strategies. Many Canadians have chosen to boycott travel to the U.S. due to President Trump’s trade war, leading to a notable dip in planned vacations across the border.
Individuals like Michael Mortensen from Vancouver have expressed their reluctance to spend money in the U.S. and are opting for alternative destinations like Mexico and Costa Rica. He noted a shift in his vacation plans, having originally set aside funds for a trip to Hawaii but choosing to avoid any travel to the U.S. altogether.
The repercussions of the trade war extend beyond financial markets, impacting regular Canadian travelers. According to a recent survey by Leger, a staggering 59% of Canadians reported they are less inclined to visit the U.S. this year, with many expressing reductions in purchases of American goods.
As travel intentions wane, about 36% of Canadians who had plans to visit the U.S. have already canceled their trips, and older travelers, particularly those over 55, have reported a greater aversion to U.S. travel, as indicated by separate surveys.
Canada’s travel statistics illustrate a 2.4% decline in round-trip flights to the U.S. as well as a 23% drop in Canadian road trips to the country, suggesting a shift in travel dynamics favoring domestic and short-haul international destinations.
Airlines like Air Canada and WestJet are witnessing a decline in demand for U.S. travel, prompting capacity reductions to popular destinations due to tariff concerns. Conversely, this has opened opportunities for regions like Bermuda and Mexico, expecting increased income from Canadian tourists.
Local tourism organizations in U.S. regions are adapting their marketing approaches to enhance relations with Canadian travelers, highlighting special offers to attract visitors. A noted decline in passenger traffic at border crossings further illustrates this travel trend away from U.S. destinations.
The ongoing trade tensions and tariff policies introduced by President Trump have led to a significant decrease in Canadian tourism to the United States. The shift in travel preferences towards destinations like Mexico and Costa Rica demonstrates the impact of economic and political factors on cross-border travel. With airlines adjusting their capacities and local tourism boards reworking their promotional strategies, the U.S. tourism sector faces actionable challenges to regain its Canadian clientele.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
