Ottawa – Arab Canada News

Travel bookings from Canada to the United States are witnessing a significant and sharp decline this season, according to reports from the tourism and travel sector, amid what industry experts describe as a “catastrophic decline” threatening the stability of the cross-border travel sector, raising questions about the reasons behind the sudden reluctance of Canadians towards the traditionally favored American destination.

According to data from travel and airline companies, bookings for trips to popular destinations like Florida, Arizona, and California have dropped by up to 30% compared to previous years, indicating a clear shift in Canadian tourism sentiment.

Multiple Reasons Behind the Decline

Tourism experts attribute this decline to several interrelated factors, among the most prominent are:

• The depreciation of the Canadian dollar against the US currency, making travel to the United States more expensive.

• Reciprocal tariffs and recent trade tensions, which have affected consumer confidence.

• Security and political considerations, including changes in American policies, and a general feeling of unwelcomeness in some states.

• Rising travel costs and medical insurance for Canadian citizens, especially seniors, the “snowbirds” who are accustomed to spending winter in the southern United States.

The Tourism Sector on Alert

Canadian Tourism company officials described the situation as “unprecedented,” noting that many hotels, travel offices, and transport companies are suffering from declining bookings and revenues, while some operators have begun redirecting their offers towards alternative destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, and Mexico.

Lori Hartfield, a travel organizer in Toronto, said:

“What we are witnessing this season is a significant shift. Canadians are reevaluating their priorities, and the United States is no longer their first choice.”

Expected Losses for Both Sides

While this decline is a concern for the Canadian travel industry, it also represents a significant economic loss for American cities that seasonally rely on spending by Canadian tourists, especially during winter.