Canadians Reconsider U.S. Travel Amid Political and Economic Concerns
Introduction: A Shift in Travel Plans
For years, Canadians like Peter Mulholland and his wife have made it a tradition to travel from Vancouver to Seattle to watch the Toronto Blue Jays play against the Mariners. However, this year, they, like many others, have decided to skip their U.S. vacation. The growing reluctance among Canadians to travel to the United States is largely fueled by political tensions, economic concerns, and shifting perceptions of their southern neighbor.
The Rise of Anti-U.S. Travel Sentiment
Peter Mulholland, a 69-year-old semi-retired Vancouver resident, explains that his decision to skip the trip is rooted in frustration over U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly the threats of crippling tariffs on Canadian goods and the controversial suggestion that Canada could become the 51st state. The final straw for Mulholland was Trump’s reference to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a dictator. “We were starting to get leery,” he said, expressing concerns that the tariffs would harm both nations, with Canada likely bearing the brunt of the impact.
Travel Industry Observations: A Decline in U.S.-Bound Travel
McKenzie McMillan, a travel consultant at the Vancouver-based Travel Group, has noticed a significant drop in interest in U.S. travel among his clients. February, typically a busy month for planning spring break vacations, has seen a stark decline in new requests for trips to the U.S. While the weaker Canadian dollar, which is currently worth about 30 cents less than the U.S. dollar, may play a role, McMillan attributes the majority of the decline to political factors. “The majority of the reason why we’re seeing people avoid the U.S. right now has to do with the tariffs and the 51st state comments,” he said.
Economic Implications: A Blow to the U.S. Economy
The U.S. Travel Association reports that Canada is the largest source of international visitors to the U.S., with 20.4 million visits in 2024 alone, generating $20.5 billion in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs. A 10% reduction in Canadian travel could translate to 2 million fewer visits, $2.1 billion in lost revenue, and 14,000 job losses. The states most affected by this shift would likely be Florida, California, Nevada, New York, and Texas—destinations that have historically been favorites among Canadian travelers.
airline and Tourism Industry Responses: Navigating the Slowdown
Air Canada, the country’s largest airline, has not yet observed a significant decline in U.S.-bound travel but is closely monitoring the situation. “We are anticipating that there could be a slowdown,” said Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice president for revenue and network planning, during a recent earnings call. WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, has already reported a 25% drop in demand for U.S. flights compared to the previous year. While the airline attributes this change partly to unfavorable exchange rates, it acknowledges that political factors, including tariffs, may also be at play.
New Travel Trends: Exploring Alternatives Beyond the U.S.
As Canadians rethink their travel plans, many are turning to alternative destinations such as Mexico, Europe, Iceland, and Asia. McKenzie McMillan notes a shift in bookings, with clients opting for international destinations outside the U.S. even for cruises, with many choosing ports of departure outside the U.S. to avoid potential complications. Peter Mulholland, for instance, is considering a road trip within British Columbia, exploring parts of the province he and his wife have never visited before. This trend reflects a broader movement among Canadians to redefine their travel preferences, prioritizing destinations that align more closely with their values and comfort levels.
