U.S. Tourism Faces Decline as Canadians Boycott Travel Amid Political Tensions, Impacting New England Businesses

With summer tourism season underway, American businesses—particularly northeast businesses—have been facing sudden declines in Canadian tourists resulting from a growing U.S. travel boycott.

Politically instigated and economically driven, Canadians have begun to skip U.S. cross-border visits in favor of traveling domestically or internationally. This situation is particularly common in New England states, where Maine, Vermont, and Old Orchard Beach have traditionally been heavily reliant on Canadian tourism.

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Competition from domestic holiday destinations and negative exchange rates, combined with U.S. President Donald Trump’s political rhetoric, sent bookings from Canadians crashing this year.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey reports bookings will drop 20% in the state, while Vermont saw an incredible 45% Canadian hotel bookings fall among Canadian travelers. Canadian bookings in New York City declined 45% equally and account for part of an overall pattern in declining international travel to the U.S.

Declining Canadian Tourism to Maine and the Northeast U.S.

One of the hardest-hit regions is Maine, which has long branded itself as “Vacationland,” with its famous coastline, beaches, and natural beauty.

York Beach, a popular spot for Quebecois and New Brunswick residents, has seen a noticeable decline in Canadian tourists, especially surfers who have historically flocked to Long Sands Beach. David Rowland, co-owner of York Beach Beer Company, lamented the drop in Canadian license plates in the area, saying, “It’s usually lined with Quebecois or New Brunswick tourists, and they’re not here. Some are, but not like normal.”

From February to May, land crossings into Maine were down by 27%, according to recent statistics, signaling the far-reaching effects of the boycott.

Despite the challenging atmosphere, Rowland maintains optimism, saying, “We still have great beer and we’re still nice people. And we have great waves and great mountains. Don’t be afraid of us. We’re not afraid of you. We’re sorry.”

Impact on Small Businesses and Family-Run Operations

The decline in Canadian tourism has left family-run businesses in Old Orchard Beach and surrounding areas grappling with cancellations. Michael Rioux, the manager of the Sandpiper Beachfront Motel, noted a slight increase in cancellations from their regular Canadian clientele.

He mentioned one long-time guest who, influenced by the political climate, canceled seven rooms in July, despite the family’s preference to stay.

“We’re seeing more Canadian cancellations, and the political situation is definitely affecting tourism,” said Rioux, who also pointed to exchange rates as a factor impacting visitors’ decision to travel.

As Canadians opt to stay within their borders, local businesses in Old Orchard Beach are suffering from reduced income, which is especially tough on the small, family-owned motels that rely heavily on repeat business from Canadian tourists.

New Strategies to Attract Canadian Tourists

Despite the struggles, some businesses in the region are finding ways to adapt. Suzanne Ellis, the owner of Johnny Shucks Maine Lobster, initially worried about the dip in Canadian visitors, but recently noticed a boost in Canadian customers.

She was relieved as more Canadians began to visit, particularly as summer events and activities ramped up. “I’m very happy to have them here,” Ellis said, noting that 60% of her customers are typically Canadians.

The Role of Politics and Tariffs in the Decline

The Canadian boycott of U.S. travel is largely attributed to political tensions and the impact of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

In response to the U.S. president’s frequent rhetoric about making Canada the 51st state, and his imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, many Canadians feel a sense of hurt pride. This has been a key driver behind the decline in cross-border travel. Maine’s Governor Janet Mills echoed this sentiment, recalling discussions with a local bed-and-breakfast owner, who noted the emotional impact of these political decisions on Canadian guests. “It’s not the tariffs, but the hurt pride and Canadian citizenry,” said Mills.

As political tensions remain high, Canadian Premiers like Doug Ford of Ontario and Susan Holt of New Brunswick are encouraging Canadians to travel within Canada. Ford and Holt both urged Canadians to visit local destinations and avoid the U.S. for now, citing the challenging relationship between Canada and the U.S. due to leadership issues.

Maine’s Efforts to Reconnect with Canadian Tourists

Maine, recognizing the importance of Canadian visitors, has launched several initiatives to reconnect with Canadian tourists. The state has placed welcome signs at border crossings and at tourism visitor centers, reminding Canadians that they are always welcome. Governor Mills is also planning a visit to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to meet with local officials and encourage tourism between the regions.

Tourism Trends: Canadians Opting for Domestic Travel

A Leger poll conducted in May revealed that while Canadians’ summer travel intentions remain strong, interest in traveling to the U.S. has collapsed. Only 10% of Canadians plan to travel to the U.S. this summer, down from 23% in 2023.

The tariffs, combined with safety concerns, poor exchange rates, and the uncertain political situation, have pushed many Canadians to explore domestic destinations within Canada instead.

Conclusion: The Strain on U.S.-Canada Tourism

The drop in Canadian visitors will likely have long-term effects on tourism industries in New England and other U.S. regions that have come to count on Canadian travelers. Tariffs and political posturing have made Canadians reluctant to travel to the U.S., opting to tour domestically instead.

While U.S. businesses aim to overcome this trend, it’s apparent that relations between this pair of countries are being strained, tourism being one of the more outward manifestations of this day’s politics.

Source: CTV News

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