28/07/2026 22:51 - Internacionales
The hostility of President Donald Trump's policies towards Canada has generated an unexpected and fascinating effect on the global tourism market. According to a recent report by Statistics Canada cited by The Guardian, Canadians reduced their spending on trips to the United States by $3.3 billion during the year 2025.
Canada's total spending on travel to the US dropped from $22.1 billion in 2024 to $18.8 billion in 2025. Border crossings in July 2025 fell by a third compared to the previous year, a sustained decline comparable only to the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Far from staying at home, Canadian travelers discovered the world. Spending on international destinations outside the US skyrocketed by $3.6 billion, reaching $22.8 billion. Trips to Europe grew by 14% and to Asia by nearly 17%, demonstrating that tourism is diversifying and flourishing in other latitudes.
The official report notes that the abrupt shift in traveler sentiment occurred following the inauguration of the new US administration in early 2025. 'America First' policies, tariff wars, and speculations regarding the annexation of Canada (referred to by Trump as making Canada the 51st state) pushed citizens to seek warmer welcomes and culturally rich experiences in other countries.
This trend, which continued strongly throughout the first half of 2026, points to a persistently positive redistribution of global tourist flows, opening doors for receiving economies in Europe and Asia.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
