The vice-president and general manager of Envoyage says she doesn’t believe that current tensions between Ottawa and Washington will significantly curtail Canadian travel to the United States, but cautions that a struggling loonie could well reduce Canadian visitations south of the border.
Anita Emilio expects a long history of many Canadians wishing to holiday in the United States will continue, even as both the American and Canadian governments threaten to impose tariffs on each others’ products.
Heightened rhetoric has also seen U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly suggest that Canada should become an American state, something quickly rejected by Canadian officials.
B.C. Premier David Eby in turn has publicly suggested that Canadians should shun vacation travel to the United States if the American administration goes ahead with its threat to impose across-the-board tariffs on Canadian products, a scenario that many economists warn would be hugely damaging to this country’s economy.
But Emilio suggests a greater threat to travel to the U.S. could be the currency exchange.
“While current tensions between Canada and the U.S. have made headlines, Canadians’ connection to travelling south of the border runs deeper than politics. It’s built on shared experiences, trust, and a long-standing appreciation for the variety of destinations and opportunities the U.S. offers,” she told Travel Courier. “That said, with the Canadian dollar at its weakest point in four years, travel decisions are shifting. Many Canadians are reconsidering where — and how — they spend their travel dollars. Destinations like Japan, South Korea, Portugal, and parts of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam and Thailand, are becoming increasingly popular for their affordability and rich cultural appeal.”
Emilio also said domestic travel is “seeing a surge as Canadians take the opportunity to rediscover the wealth of experiences available in our own backyards. Ultimately, the weak loonie has made exploring Canada a compelling and cost-friendly alternative.
“These trends point to a larger shift: travellers are becoming more thoughtful and strategic about their plans,” she continued. “Leisure travellers are focused on maximizing their budgets, while businesses are reassessing travel policies to ensure value in light of exchange rate pressures. Working with experienced travel advisors — such as those in the Envoyage network — helps travellers create personalized plans, whether they’re embarking on a multi-destination global journey or a well-planned adventure close to home.”
Meanwhile, two travel agents in different parts of the country say they’re aware of talk of avoiding travel to the United States.
Monica Millin of Vancouver-area La Dolce Vita Travel noted she’s headed to Maui shortly, a trip booked last fall.
Millin reported that “from what I’m reading in different Moms’ groups, there definitely is talk of avoiding travel to the United States.
“Obviously there are those that agree with the new administration, so I’m sure it won’t stop them, but I have no idea what percentage that would be,” she continued. “I think maybe it is too soon to really tell. Much of the talk is due to some fear-mongering,” she added of possible effects on travel to the United States.
Dolores Fredericksen of CAA Atlantic travel in Saint John is also preparing to visit the United States, with Las Vegas being her destination of choice.
“The reaction from my clients and family have been different,” she reported. “Some tell me how much they love Vegas and cannot give me enough advice on what to do and see during my first time in Las Vegas. Others have almost turned their faces and will often say ‘I won’t be travelling to the US in the next 4 years.’
“At this time, I am not sure if Atlantic Canadians are fully pondering the tariffs surrounding travel to the U.S…,” Fredericksen said. “However, once local businesses are impacted, especially in our border town, I believe the reasoning will change as to why they are choosing not to travel to the USA.
“Politics will certainly not be part of my conversations, but I will continue and enjoy the best out of Las Vegas!” she added of her trip. “Viva Las Vegas!’