By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Despite ongoing trade tensions with the United States, Canada’s tourism sector experienced a remarkable boom, largely at the expense of its neighbor. The article suggests that due to the political climate and increased border security, U.S. tourism has declined, leading to fewer Canadian visitors. Simultaneously, Canada has seen a surge in domestic and international tourism, with many choosing Canada over the U.S. due to perceptions of safety and friendliness. While the U.S. Travel Association forecasts a decline in international tourism spending, Canada’s tourism revenue has surged.
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Canada is winning the travel trade war with the U.S., or at least, the Americans are doing a pretty fantastic job of losing. It’s not really a war, though. It feels more like a complete separation, a conscious uncoupling from a relationship that was once built on friendship, mutual respect, and a shared history. Remember the days after 9/11? Canadian cities opened their arms, offering shelter and comfort to stranded Americans when their planes were diverted. Gander, Newfoundland, with a population of just over 9,000, housed and cared for 7,000 displaced passengers from 38 diverted flights. It wasn’t about accolades; it was simply about helping.
Now, though, many Canadians feel betrayed, and frankly, used. There’s a palpable sense of disbelief that a country we considered a close ally can treat us with such hostility. It’s hard to reconcile the acts of kindness we extended with the current rhetoric and policies. It seems like the political approach of bullying your closest friends backfired.
Perhaps the extent of the contribution to the American economy by Canadians is not understood. Many are choosing to spend their travel dollars elsewhere. The world is a big place, and with so many exciting destinations, there’s simply no need to subject themselves to the potential hassles of crossing the border. And that is exactly what many have chosen to do.
It’s really a rout, the U.S. is not the only place Canadians can go for vacation. The American president suggested Canada should become the 51st state, repeatedly. Tariffs were even threatened. The response? Many Canadians were offended that they didn’t want to be Americans. The increasingly aggressive behavior from border control has only fueled this separation.
It’s a matter of preference, of not wanting to feel like you’re under suspicion or treated as if you’re a criminal for simply visiting. The idea of potentially being detained without legal representation is enough to make many think twice about visiting. Many have canceled trips and opted for destinations in Europe, the Mediterranean, or even Mexico. Americans, by and large, are good people, but the actions of certain government figures, and elements of the populace, have damaged the relationship.
Why go to a country that seems to dislike you? Many Canadians are choosing to support their own economy or explore other parts of the world. It’s not about hate; it’s about distrust. Many are experiencing an entry process with the U.S. that is getting ridiculous, and that’s a real deterrent.
It’s not about winning a war, it’s about making a choice. Many Canadians have simply stopped doing something (visiting the U.S.) and started doing something else (exploring the rest of the world). The economic impact on border states might be noticeable, but for the U.S. as a whole, it’s not a major hit. Some are saying they’re stuck going to the U.S. to see family, but are not happy about it.
It’s about a lack of trust and feeling unwelcome. The stories of scrutiny, of phone checks, and privacy violations at the border are widely circulated. Many people, and the political rhetoric, don’t align with their values. It seems a large portion of the population want as little to do with that America as possible for now.
It’s hard to rebuild trust. Canadian firefighters, police, and doctors volunteered their time and skills to help in the aftermath of 9/11. That’s a powerful statement of friendship. And to have that kind of support repaid with hostility is shocking. Canada’s response to 9/11, is a story of selfless generosity. They are right to feel as though they don’t deserve such behavior. But the pettiness in the hearts of Canadians, may be what helps them survive this difficult time.