Canadian travelers decided to fight back against an announcement made by the 47th President of the United States on Saturday to impose a 25% tariff on most imported goods from their country, by canceling their vacation trips to the United States in protest.
The travel boycott, in addition to other boycotts raised by Canadians frustrated with the executive order that not only imposes tariffs on Canadian goods but also goods from Mexico and China, is meant to hurt the United States where it counts the most: their tourism economy.The U.S. Travel Association has warned that the U.S. government’s move to impose steep tariffs against neighboring countries will lead to an economic tourism disaster for the United States after thousands of Canadian travelers canceled their trips immediately following the President’s announcement
While Proposed Tariffs Against Canada Are Now Paused, Canadian Travel Agencies Already Witnessing Retaliation in Form of Canceled Trips
On Saturday night, shortly after 9 p.m., Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, spoke directly to Americans, then to Canadian citizens in response to the proposed tariffs against Canada and what it would mean for the economy of both countries should the executive order stay in place, advising Canadians to have ‘staycations’ in Canada, and buy local goods rather than U.S. imports.
“Now is the time to choose Canada…It might mean changing your summer vacation plans to stay here in Canada and explore the many national and provincial parks, historical sites, and tourist destinations our great country has to offer,” Trudeau told Canadians during a televised speech broadcast throughout the country.On Monday, that executive order was announced as being placed on ‘pause’ for 30 days while both the U.S. and Canadian governments work toward a resolution.
However, Canadian travel agencies were the first to witness retaliation from Canadian travelers in the form of canceled vacation trips to the United States. According to Canada’s largest travel agency, Flight Centre, they had witnessed ‘a surge of customers’ canceling their trips to the U.S., and rebooking them to other countries immediately following the announcement.“Cancelations included bucket-list and milestone experiences valued at over $10,000 CAD,” said a Flight Centre spokesperson.
