When the relationship between the United States and Canada began to sour after Donald Trump took office for his second term, one of the first American industries to sound the alarm was tourism. Canadians on average spend more than $20 billion dollars a year traveling to the United States. A lot of that travel is to warmer states like Florida and Arizona during cold winter months by older Canadians affectionately referred to as Snowbirds.
The American tourism industry was immediate concerned that the Trump Administration's divisive rhetoric would negatively impact them. Early indications have shown that to be true. Many Canadians are now boycotting travel to the United States and choosing other destinations. In the weeks since the boycott started, the American tourism industry is projecting losses of $2.1 billion in revenue. Additionally, a reported 14,000 jobs in tourism and related industries will likely be lost.
Both red and blue states will be impacted by this, particularly New York, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Texas. Border states are already reporting significant declines in Canadian visitors crossing for weekend getaways or shopping trips. While the Canadian government has not issued any statements about travel to the United States, this grassroots movement by citizens was inspired largely by the threats of tariffs from the American government.
How long this continues remains to be seen. Canadians represent the largest number of international visitors to the United States. Many Canadians even have winter homes in America. Eventually, travelers from the Great White North will want to return to their favorite destinations. At the same time, Canadians are broadening their horizons. Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean are already benefiting from changing Canadian travel preferences. Some will find new favorite spots.