In a stunning backlash against U.S. President Donald Trump’s derogatory remarks, Canadians have collectively canceled their trips to the United States, resulting in a staggering $5.7 billion loss for the U.S. tourism industry in 2025. This unprecedented boycott is reshaping cross-border travel dynamics and economic relations.
As the winter season approaches, once-bustling ski resorts in Montana and sunsoaked beaches in Florida are feeling the chill of Canadian absence. Hotels report a drastic drop in bookings, with some establishments seeing a 20% decrease in Canadian guests. The once-familiar sound of Canadian accents is now eerily absent, leaving local businesses scrambling for solutions.
Duty free shops along the border have been hit hard, with some reporting revenue declines of up to 80%. Staff reductions have become a grim reality, as shops that once thrived on Canadian patronage now operate with skeleton crews. The economic fallout is palpable, with entire communities feeling the sting of lost revenue.
In New Hampshire, the number of Canadian tourists has plummeted by approximately 30%. Local campgrounds and hotels are struggling to fill their rooms, with some reporting booking declines of up to 71%. Business owners express disbelief, noting that this year has been the worst they’ve seen, even worse than during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decline in Canadian travel is not a mere blip; it’s a deliberate choice driven by a sense of disrespect. Polls reveal that nearly 60% of Canadians are less likely to travel to the U.S. due to political tensions and tariffs imposed by Trump. Many have opted for alternative destinations, with Mexico and the Caribbean emerging as popular choices.
In a striking example, a retiree from Ontario, who spent two decades vacationing in Florida, has vowed never to return under the current a ministration. His sentiments echo a growing chorus of Canadians who feel unwelcome, choosing instead to explore the vast beauty of their own country or venture abroad.
U.S. senators have been dispatched to Ottawa to plead for an end to the boycott, recognizing the economic damage inflicted by their own president’s rhetoric. Yet, the damage is done, and the road to rebuilding trust appears long and arduous.
Travel experts warn that the impact of this boycott will be felt for years. Canadians are not just canceling trips; they are forming new travel habits that may exclude the U.S. entirely. As they discover new destinations, the likelihood of returning to the U.S. diminishes.
This tourism crisis underscores a fundamental shift in the Canada – U.S. relationship. Once viewed as a close ally, the U.S. is now perceived as a nation that disrespects and undermines its neighbors. The ramifications of Trump’s remarks extend far beyond immediate financial losses; they threaten the long-standing bonds that have historically united the two nations.
As the winter travel season unfolds, U.S. tourism boards are racing against time, launching campaigns to win back Canadian visitors. However, the core issue remains: the feelings of insult and disrespect cannot be easily erased with discounts or marketing slogans.
Canadians are making a statement with their wallets, and the message is clear: respect is paramount. As they explore new horizons, the U.S. must grapple with the consequences of its actions and the profound changes in its relationship with Canada. The $5.7 billion loss is just the beginning of a larger narrative that may redefine cross-border tourism for years to come.