Canada is leading a global boycott against the U.S. in response to Trump’s sweeping tariff policy, resulting in a decrease in international tourists traveling to the States
International travel to the U.S. seems likely to decrease, as booking numbers drop due to tariff disputes and stricter screening procedures that deter potential travelers.
Travel to the U.S. from countries most affected by President Donald Trump’s tariffs may decline. Service-related industries such as restaurants and accommodations are expected to be the most affected, with Canadians taking the lead in the boycott.
According to a report by Fortune, a 10% decrease in international tourism this year—attributed to a decline in air travel by foreign visitors to the U.S. in March—could result in a $23 billion loss in gross domestic product and approximately 230,000 jobs, as estimated by Implan’s chief economist, Jennifer Thorvaldson.
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While Canadians are avoiding trips to the US, their return journeys by air from other countries increased by 9.9%. The hotel booking website Trivago has reported a significant drop in bookings from travelers in Japan, Canada and Mexico.
This significant decline highlights a larger trend among Canadians to refrain from US vacations and products in response to Trump’s tariffs and remarks about making Canada the 51st state. It may also indicate concerns regarding Trump’s immigration policies impacting visitors.
On April 2, President Donald Trump hosted the ‘Liberation Day’ event, unveiling significant tariffs affecting nearly all of the U.S.’s trade partners. The economic repercussions of these tariffs seem to have led many Americans to reduce their travel spending this year.
With growing financial concerns and economic instability, more Americans are opting for domestic vacations. There’s also an increased interest in booking budget accommodations in lower star categories.
Furthermore, travelers from the United Kingdom are increasingly choosing to explore destinations within their own country, according to findings from Trivago.
The travel site also noted a significant drop in demand from Germans for trips to the U.S. this season, though this decline was not as pronounced as that seen among Canadian, Mexican and Japanese travelers.
Trump has threatened to impose a 50 percent tariff on Germany, the largest economy in the European Union. However, he announced on Sunday that he would suspend the tax that was set to be implemented next month.
As U.S. hotels struggle with the reduced influx of international visitors, various sectors within the $2.6 trillion tourism industry are growing increasingly anxious about a potential slump this season.
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