Canadian tourists are sharply reducing trips to the United States since Donald Trump’s return to office, shifting travel spending domestically and to other international destinations
Executive summary: Official data show a significant drop in Canadian travel to the United States since Donald Trump’s inauguration, with Canadians opting for domestic trips or other countries. The shift reduces revenue for US tourism‑dependent businesses and redirects spending to Canadian domestic markets and European destinations.
Who is involved: Canadian travelers, US tourism operators (hotels, airlines, attractions), Canadian domestic tourism sector, European destinations such as Venice.
Likely next: Travel statistics agencies will publish updated outbound travel figures; airlines may adjust transborder flight capacity; tourism boards may launch promotions to attract Canadian visitors.
Der Spiegel reports that official statistics show a pronounced decline in outbound travel from Canada to the United States coinciding with Donald Trump’s renewed presidency. Travelers are choosing to stay within Canada or visit other countries, citing the political climate as a factor. This trend directly affects US tourism‑related businesses such as hotels, airlines and attractions, while boosting domestic Canadian tourism and alternative international destinations.
Timeline
- — Tourismus: Kanadier meiden die USA unter Donald Trump (Der Spiegel — Wirtschaft)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- US tourism sector (hotels, airlines, attractions)
- Canadian domestic tourism
- Transborder air travel
Historical parallels
- After the September 11, 2001 attacks, US international visitor arrivals fell by approximately 11% in 2002.
- During the 2008‑2009 global financial crisis, US overseas travel declined by roughly 8%.
Key entities
Sources
- Tourismus: Kanadier meiden die USA unter Donald Trump — Der Spiegel — Wirtschaft