Canada-US travel has taken a significant hit due to US President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and tariffs. According to Forward Keys, Canadian travel to the US dropped 20% in February compared to the previous year. This decline has affected the US travel industry, with inbound travel still at just 90% of pre-pandemic levels.
The drop-off is attributed to Trump’s constant disparagement of Canada, including recent tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. Canadians are responding by canceling summer vacations to destinations like Washington, D.C., and booking trips to Mexico instead.
US travel industry experts warn that a 10% decline in Canadian visitors could cost the US $2.1 billion in lost spending. The loss is attributed not only to reduced bookings but also to decreased interest in traveling to the US, exacerbated by the ongoing tariffs and rhetoric.
Corey Fram, director of the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, notes that his organization has had to adjust its marketing strategy due to Trump’s statements. The council promotes destinations like Thousand Islands, which typically attract Canadian tourists, but now faces a tougher reception.
The impact on cross-border travel extends beyond Canada, with bookings from Denmark and Germany decreasing by 27% and 15%, respectively. However, the proximity of Canada to the US makes it a crucial market for US tourism, making any decline in visitor numbers particularly concerning.
As tensions between the two nations continue to escalate, Canadian travelers are choosing alternative destinations like Mexico, leaving US travel operators facing significant challenges ahead.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadians-stung-by-trumps-tariffs-rhetoric-balk-us-travel-2025-03-12