International travellers are increasingly reconsidering trips to the United States, citing strict border enforcement, unpredictable policies, and a tense political climate. Travel warnings from Germany, the UK, Denmark, Finland and Portugal have followed recent detentions of Canadian and European tourists, prompting some to advocate for an outright boycott.
Canadian visitors, who make up the largest group of international tourists to the US with over 20 million arrivals per year, have been particularly affected. Former prime minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to 'choose Canada' for their holidays, and data from Statistics Canada shows a 20% drop in border crossings in February. The US Travel Association warns that a 10% reduction in Canadian visitors could cost $2.1 billion in spending and 14,000 jobs.
Travel journalist Kate Dingwall cancelled her US vacation plans, citing a 'sense of uneasiness' about the border. Comedian Keith Serry cancelled five New York appearances, stating he did not feel safe and was reluctant to support 'a hostile state'. Some Canadians have faced tougher border security, including detention by ICE despite valid documents.
Amar Charles Marouf, a Canadian growth strategist, noted that when US values of inclusion and human rights seem out of step, it becomes harder to justify travel. Many Canadians are redirecting trips to Mexico, South America and Europe. The Hamilton Princess Hotel in Bermuda reported a 20% increase in Canadian leads for events relocated from the US.
This shift comes as the US tourism sector had been experiencing record growth. The political climate and border policies are now deterring cultural tourists, raising concerns about long-term impacts on the industry.
