Monday, June 16, 2025
Canada has pressed the brakes—hard. Utah, Florida, Arizona, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Maine are suddenly feeling the chill. As cross-border friction deepens, Canada freezes its travel enthusiasm for these once-favorite U.S. destinations. The result? A strike so deep, it cuts steep into the core of the U.S. tourism sector.
Utah’s scenic wonders now sit quieter. Florida’s sun-soaked beaches feel emptier. Arizona and Phoenix report drops. Las Vegas lights still flash, but fewer Canadians are watching. And Maine? It’s no longer the go-to coastal escape it once was.

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This isn’t just a cooling trend. It’s a tourism freeze. And the message from Canada is loud.
Why is this happening? Why now? And what does it mean for the future of U.S. travel recovery?

Canada’s decision to freeze Utah, Florida, Arizona, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Maine might seem sudden. But the signs were there. The question is—can the U.S. warm things up before it’s too late?

Utah Feels the Freeze: Canadian Visitors Vanish as Cross-Border Friction Deepens

The once-reliable wave of Canadian visitors flowing into Utah is slowing to a near standstill. And it’s not just about cost—it’s personal, political, and deeply felt on both sides of the border.
A new survey from Salt Lake City reveals that Canadian travel to the U.S., particularly Utah, is experiencing a sharp decline. Tariffs, rising prices, and a souring political climate have combined to create a perfect storm, driving a noticeable drop in both air and road travel from America’s northern neighbor.
This isn’t just a dip. It’s a red flag waving high for the U.S. travel industry.

Numbers Tell a Chilling Story

Canada has long been Utah’s most valuable international tourism partner. In 2023 alone, Canadians accounted for 28% of Utah’s international visitors, spending more than any other nationality.
But by May 2025, the landscape changed. Air travel from Canada to the U.S. dropped 4%, while road trips plummeted by a staggering 38%, according to Statistics Canada. That kind of retreat is not normal. It’s structural—and emotional.
Salt Lake City International Airport, which offers direct flights to four major Canadian cities, is seeing a clear lag. Flights to Mexico and Europe remain strong, and even a new route to Asia launched to a full cabin. But Canada? It’s quiet.

The Boycott Effect: Tariffs Fuel the Backlash

Much of the downturn traces back to policy—specifically, a volatile tariff dispute between the U.S. and Canada.
Following new U.S. tariffs of up to 25% introduced in April under “Liberation Day” economic measures, the backlash in Canada was immediate. From political leaders to everyday consumers, the response was swift: boycott American goods, services, and yes—travel.
Nearly half of surveyed Canadians reported a more negative view of the U.S. in the months following the tariff news. Among those who canceled travel plans, three-fourths said the decision was directly tied to the boycott movement.
This is more than a trade war. It’s a consumer rebellion. And it’s playing out in airports, travel agencies, and hotel bookings.

Currency Woes and Climbing Costs Compound the Problem

But tariffs aren’t the only factor freezing travel.
The Canadian dollar has weakened, hovering around $0.73 USD. While it matches mid-2024 rates, it’s still down from recent highs. Combine that with skyrocketing travel costs—flights, accommodations, and services in the U.S. have all become more expensive—and you get hesitation, even among those who want to visit.
For Canadian families budgeting for a Utah ski vacation or a Southwest road trip, the numbers just don’t add up anymore.

Sentiment Sours, But Not All Hope Is Lost

The emotional toll is harder to measure, but impossible to ignore. Surveyed Canadians described feelings of distrust, disapproval, and even anger toward current U.S. policies. That emotional shift is fueling the decline in bookings.
Still, the news isn’t entirely bleak.
Roughly two-thirds of Canadians said they might consider traveling to the U.S. again within the next three years—if things improve. Some still plan to visit for personal reasons, like family connections or specific destination loyalties. Golfing in Florida, hiking in Utah’s national parks, and reunions in U.S. cities still draw a loyal few.
This signals that the drop is reversible, but only if political and economic tensions ease.

Utah’s Tourism Economy at a Crossroads

For a state like Utah, which relies heavily on Canadian visitors, the impact could be long-lasting. Local businesses—especially those in tourism hot spots like Park City, Moab, and Salt Lake City—are already feeling the difference.
Hotel occupancy rates, rental car demand, and guided tour bookings have all seen a modest dip. With summer and winter travel seasons approaching, the stakes are growing by the day.
If the trend holds, millions in potential tourism revenue could evaporate.

The Travel Industry Watches and Waits

Across the broader U.S. travel landscape, this story is becoming a cautionary tale. It’s a wake-up call about how political decisions ripple far beyond trade charts and economic forecasts.
Travel is emotional. It’s rooted in trust, excitement, and curiosity. When those feelings turn cold, even the best destinations can lose their appeal.
Tourism leaders are now urging for diplomatic clarity, smart travel policies, and intentional efforts to rebuild bridges—literally and figuratively.

What’s Next?

If U.S.-Canada relations improve, especially on trade, travel sentiment could rebound. But the healing won’t be instant. Once consumer trust is lost, it takes time—and action—to win it back.
For now, Canadians are watching. They’re waiting. And they’re choosing easier trips—to Europe, Mexico, or even destinations at home.
The U.S. travel industry, especially in border states and international hubs like Utah, needs to listen. And act.
Because the next chapter in this story depends not just on flights and fares, but on hearts, minds, and policy shifts.

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Tags: Canada-U.S. relations tourism, Canadian dollar travel cost, Canadian road trips to U.S., Canadian travel Utah, Love Communications survey Canada, Salt Lake City airport trends, tariff impact on travel, U.S. Canada travel boycott, U.S. travel policy 2025, Utah international tourism

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