The number of Canadian travelers heading to the United States has plummeted by 40% compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with U.S. policies and rhetoric.
According to Flight Centre Travel Group, a major travel agency, bookings for trips from Canada to various U.S. destinations dropped significantly in February. In response to the declining demand, Air Canada announced a 10% reduction in flights to popular spring break destinations such as Florida, Las Vegas, and Arizona starting in March. Similarly, WestJet Airlines reported a shift in consumer preferences, with more Canadians opting for vacations in Mexico and the Caribbean instead of the U.S.
The decline in travel is largely attributed to political tensions, particularly controversial remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has suggested annexing Canada. Many Canadians, outraged by these statements, have chosen to boycott travel to the U.S. Additionally, many Canadian-based American expatriates have also decided to avoid returning to the U.S. for family visits, instead inviting their relatives to visit them in Canada.
Rise in Domestic Tourism
As anti-U.S. sentiments grow, more Canadians turn to domestic tourism as an alternative. Campaigns promoting "Buy Canadian's Products" have gained widespread support, increasing interest in exploring local destinations. At least eight provinces and territories have reported a surge in domestic travel interest, prompting tourism boards, such as Nova Scotia's, to launch nationwide advertising campaigns to attract visitors.
The "Snowbird" community, which traditionally spends winters in Florida, has also shown a shift in behavior, with many choosing to stay in Canada instead of heading south. Seizing this trend, Flair Airlines, a Canadian low-cost carrier, announced a new route between Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and Toronto starting in April. The airline expects a further decline in ticket sales for U.S. destinations, while interprovincial travel demand is projected to rise.
Economic factors also play a role. The Canadian dollar's weakening exchange rate against the U.S. dollar has made American travel less attractive. According to a survey by Ottawa-based research firm Abacus Data, 56% of Canadians who planned to visit the U.S. this year have either scaled back or canceled their trips.
As political tensions and economic challenges persist, the Canadian tourism landscape is undergoing significant changes, with more travelers choosing to explore domestic destinations over visiting the U.S. This shift not only impacts airlines and travel agencies but also reflects a broader socio-political divide between the two neighboring nations.
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