What normally happens in these types of situations is that there is a loud and forceful boycott at first that quickly diminishes.
I think that there has been a misunderstanding of why Canadians aren't travelling to the US currently. I live on a birder town in Canada and I can tell you that, for some, yes, their feelings have been hurt and they are boycotting. For many more, though, they are afraid to go to the US. Every day, in the news, we hear stories of people being detained.
That being said, I am not afraid and will continue to travel to the US, which I love. But the fear around here is huge.
Most people see this for what it is, grandstanding and political maneuvering, and it won’t affect their life or travel plans in any way. Like all boycotts a minority are making a lot of noise but the silent majority are going about life as normal.
This is 100% not true. As I said, I live on the border. I pass by customs every day. There is virtually nobody crossing. People here would have crossed multiple times a week for groceries, gas, etc. Nobody is going to pay 40% on top of the exchange and the tax for goods.
I agree that the political climate isn't a big factor. One that many ignore is the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar. As of today the Canadian dollar is worth 72 cents US.
It has been that (or worse) for many years. I don't think that has much to do with anything.
For WDW/Florida, or any other southern US destination, winter is when most Canadians visit, so the effect in those areas may not be felt completely until the fall, but alot of the northern US tourist destinations have already had alot of cancellations for this summer, especially the beach towns/border towns in the northeastern Atlantic states.
Exactly. Here in Atlantic Canada, we are set to have a record-breaking tourism season as many who would normally vacation in New England are coming here instead.
Florida’s tourism in 2025 is showing continued growth compared to an already record-breaking 2024
For 2025, early indicators suggest sustained momentum. The first two months of 2025 showed a 0.5%
increase in
Canadian air visitation and a 6.5% rise in overseas visitors compared to 2024.
Hmm, would you look at that.
Sources:
- Executive Office of the Governor, Florida. (2025-02-11). "RECORD BROKEN AGAIN: Florida Announces the Highest Tourism Numbers in State History in 2024."
- Florida TaxWatch. (2025-02-24). "Economic report: Florida tourism poised for growth through 2030."
That data is not helpful. That was much too early and the tariff talk hadn't even began in the first 2 months. Also, those who already planned a trip would be more likely to go than cancel...although I know some who did.
We see similar things whenever there is a boycott of a product or service for some social/political reason. Typically there is an initial emotional response and then it fades quite quickly because the entire reason for the boycott is ill-conceived and self-damaging. Overall it's typically all transient in nature.
And just to emphasize, this goes far beyond a boycott for Canadians. I will continue to vacation in the US, despite being made to feel guilty for doing so, but most will not.
That all being said, I hope this translates to cheaper prices at WDW. I am waiting for the deals to book a trip.
www.visitflorida.org
