As a passionate traveler, Kelly Bergquist used to make annual trips to the United States. Her last visit was in August 2024 when she attended a concert in Las Vegas. However, due to the ongoing trade war, Bergquist is reconsidering her travel plans to the U.S.
Expressing her concerns, Bergquist mentioned, “I just don’t really want to support them right now. If they’re going to do that to us, I don’t want to give any money to them.” Instead, she is contemplating traveling to Mexico and has already started planning a trip to the Balkan countries in southeastern Europe for next year.
The recent trade war has led to a decline in Canadian travel to the United States. Many Canadians are opting for domestic trips or exploring international destinations other than the U.S. Flight Centre Canada data reveals a significant increase in travel spending for various countries between May and July compared to the previous year.
Destinations like Buenos Aires, Argentina, Osaka, Japan, and Copenhagen, Denmark, have seen notable spikes in travel spending by Canadians. Similarly, tourism organizations from various countries have reported a surge in Canadian visitors. Japan, Portugal, and Brazil have experienced an increase in Canadian tourist numbers in recent months.
Flight options, promotional materials, and exchange rates play a crucial role in trip planning. Andrew Stafford from Flight Centre in Vancouver noted that tensions with the U.S. are influencing travel decisions, prompting travelers to explore more distant destinations instead.
Canadian-owned hotel chain Marival Group in Mexico has observed a rise in Canadian visitors since the trade war began. Salvador Ramos, the vice president of sales and marketing, highlighted the company’s efforts to attract more Canadian travelers through targeted digital campaigns and collaborations.
Joan Allison from Windsor, Ont., has shifted her travel preferences away from the U.S. due to various concerns, including trade tensions and border security issues. She has opted for international destinations like Portugal for her upcoming trips.
According to Wayne Smith, director of the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research at Toronto Metropolitan University, Canadians are seeking destinations where they feel safe and welcome. He suggested that factors like cost and perceived aggressiveness in cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles could impact long-term travel patterns to the U.S.