Canadian U.S. travel boycott could cost $2.1 billion, says U.S. Travel

If Canadians, ever so slightly, boycotted travel to the United States because of U.S. President Donald Trump – or his promised tariffs on Canada – it would result in $2.1 billion (USD) in lost spending, says the U.S. Travel Association.

The organization, which represents and advocated for all components of the U.S. travel industry, issued a statement Monday (Feb. 3), outlining the consequences of a boycott, which is inching closer to a reality as political tensions rise amid a brewing trade war between Canada and the United States.

U.S. travel acknowledged that new tariffs on Canada could impact Canadian visitation to and spending in the United States.

Canada is the top source of international visitors to the U.S., with 20.4 million visits in 2024, generating $20.5 billion in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs.

READ MORE: “I’m absolutely concerned”: Travel advisors, execs respond to trade war; some cancellations reported

A mere 10 per cent reduction in Canadian visitation could results in two million fewer visits, including $2.1 billion in lost spending and 14,000 job losses, U.S. travel said.

The top five most visited states by Canadians—Florida, California, Nevada, New York and Texas—could see declines in retail and hospitality revenue, as shopping is the top leisure activity for Canadian visitors, the association said.

Trudeau said Monday that U.S. President Trump will pause levying tariffs on Canada for at least 30 days as the two countries establish a strategy for combatting the flow of fentanyl at the border. 

The update came hours before 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods were set to take effect Tuesday, along with 10 per cent tariffs on energy exports to the U.S.

In retaliation, Trudeau had announced counter tariffs on $30 billion in American goods, which were set to rise to $155 billion later this month.

The negotiations come as travel professionals in Canada express concerns over the political climate brought on by the trade conflict, which some travel advisors say has led to cancelled trips to the U.S. and shifts in consumer spending.

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