Fredericton landscape artist Bruce Newman, who used to frequently visit the United States for leisure and artistic inspiration, halted his trips following the initiation of a trade dispute by U.S. President Donald Trump against Canada. Trump’s suggestion of Canada becoming the 51st state intensified Newman’s disapproval, especially in light of recent events in Minnesota involving clashes between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and protesters.
Expressing concern over the current state of affairs in the U.S., Newman, along with many like-minded Canadians, decided to boycott U.S. travel. This collective action has significantly impacted travel statistics, with a notable 25% decrease in Canadian return trips to the U.S. via air and land in 2025.
The downward trend has persisted, with March 2025 marking the 14th consecutive month of substantial declines, depicting a 32% drop in Canadian return trips compared to pre-boycott levels in March 2024. Amir Eylon, president of the travel research consultancy Longwoods International, emphasized that the issue remains unresolved, contrary to expectations that Canadian travelers would eventually resume their visits.
The decline in Canadian visitors has contributed to an $8.5 billion decrease in international tourism spending in the U.S. in the preceding year, as reported by the World Travel and Tourism Council. Consequently, Canadian tourists are exploring alternative travel destinations, with a growing interest in overseas trips, which saw a 9% increase, contrasting the double-digit decline in U.S. travel.
Newman’s travel preferences also reflect this shift, opting for destinations outside the U.S., such as London, instead of New York City. The boycott has prompted Canadians to explore domestic travel options, leading to a 2.5% rise in domestic tourism in 2025. Rising jet fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions may further encourage domestic travel, altering Canadians’ travel behavior towards shorter-distance trips and local exploration.
The diminishing Canadian tourist influx has impacted popular U.S. destinations like Las Vegas, with a noticeable 18% decline in Canadian visitors from 2024 to last year. In response, Las Vegas tourism officials are actively engaging with Canadian travel industry stakeholders to promote the city as a welcoming destination, offering attractive deals to entice Canadian visitors back.
Las Vegas casino owner Derek Stevens, part of this initiative, is extending at-par pricing to Canadians on accommodations, selected amenities, and entertainment options to revive Canadian tourism in the city. While these efforts have yielded positive results in attracting Canadian visitors, individuals like Newman remain steadfast in their boycott, emphasizing the need for significant changes in the U.S. before reconsidering travel plans.
