≡-Maine, Vermont, And Other US Northeast States Grapple With Visitor Decline As Canada Travelers Boycott Deepens Amid Political Friction – Viral of Today

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Home » America Travel News » Maine, Vermont, And Other US Northeast States Grapple With Visitor Decline As Canada Travelers Boycott Deepens Amid Political Friction Sunday, June 22, 2025As the US Northeast braces for a shift in tourism dynamics, the region is experiencing a noticeable decline in visitors from Canada, particularly in popular destinations like Maine and Vermont. This drop in tourism is largely attributed to a growing boycott by Canada travelers, fueled by rising political tensions between the two nations. With summer travel season in full swing, businesses that have long depended on Canadian visitors are now scrambling to adjust to this new reality, facing fewer bookings and a significant dip in revenue. Factors such as safety concerns, border issues, and the unfavorable exchange rate are contributing to the rising reluctance of Canadians to travel south, further impacting tourism in these areas.Canadian Boycott Hits American Tourism Hotspots, Particularly in the NortheastAs the summer travel season kicks off, the northeastern states of the United States are feeling the effects of a rising Canadian boycott, with popular tourist destinations like Maine and Vermont facing a noticeable decline in visitors from across the border. With tensions simmering between the two countries, particularly over political differences, businesses that rely heavily on Canadian tourists are finding themselves scrambling to adjust to the shifting dynamics of travel.From February to May, the impact of the growing boycott became increasingly apparent. Land crossings into Maine fell by a staggering 27 percent compared to last year. Vermont, a state known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities, has reported a 45 percent decline in hotel bookings from Canadian travelers. Credit card spending is down across the board, and in New York City, reservations from Canadians have dropped nearly 50 percent. The downturn marks a sharp contrast to the bustling influx of Canadian visitors typically seen during the summer months, highlighting the strain that political tensions and changes in travel behavior have placed on the tourism industry.The Root of the Decline: Political Tensions and DiscontentThe decline in Canadian tourism comes on the heels of several months of political friction between the US and Canada. One of the earliest sparks for the growing discontent was US President Donald Trump’s inflammatory comments about the possibility of Canada becoming the 51st state. His administration’s decision to impose tariffs on Canadian exports further exacerbated the strain between the two countries, prompting a wave of national pride in Canada.For many Canadians, these developments have soured their perception of their southern neighbors. Concerns about safety, rising border issues, and an unfavorable exchange rate have also played a role in this shift. Perhaps most notably, many Canadians simply feel unwelcome in the US, a sentiment that has prompted them to reconsider crossing the border for leisure travel.Impact on Tourism Businesses in the NortheastThe ripple effects of this boycott are being keenly felt in small tourist-dependent communities, particularly in Maine, Vermont, and other northeastern states that have long enjoyed a steady stream of Canadian visitors. Popular spots such as Old Orchard Beach and York Beach in Maine have been hit especially hard. Many local business owners are feeling the pinch as bookings from Canadian tourists drop drastically.David Rowland, the owner of York Beach Beer Company, expressed his frustration, noting that Canadian customers were integral to his business. Rowland has been actively reaching out to his Canadian patrons, assuring them that Americans remain hospitable and welcoming despite the political rhetoric. “We still have great beer and great waves,” he said, in an effort to counter the growing perception that Canadians are unwelcome in the US.However, not all businesses are reporting significant losses. Valerie Fedorchak, the owner of The Nevada Hotel in York Beach, pointed out that she hadn’t felt the full impact yet, largely due to a loyal international customer base. Despite this, many small, family-run operations are seeing cancellations and financial setbacks, particularly from long-standing Canadian clientele.Maine’s Efforts to Restore RelationsIn an attempt to stem the tide of lost Canadian visitors, the state of Maine has launched a charm offensive to reassure Canadians that they are still welcome.Despite these efforts, the political backdrop has made it challenging for Maine and other northeastern states to fully recover their tourism numbers. The state’s tourism department has reported a slight uptick in interest from American tourists, but the drop in Canadian visitors is still deeply felt.Encouraging Domestic Tourism in CanadaIn the wake of the political tensions, Canadian premiers have also been stepping in to encourage residents to keep their tourism dollars within Canada’s borders. Premier Doug Ford of Ontario and Premier Susan Holt of New Brunswick have publicly backed vacationing within Canada, framing domestic travel as a way to support the country’s tourism industry amid the strain of US border tensions.While these calls for domestic tourism are seen as a way to bolster Canada’s economy, they also reflect the growing sense of unease among Canadians about traveling to the US. This has led to increased bookings for Canadian resorts, local attractions, and nature destinations, providing some relief for businesses within Canada but further compounding the challenges faced by US tourism operators in the affected regions.The Outlook for US TourismThe immediate outlook for US tourism businesses in the northeastern states remains uncertain. Although a few businesses have adapted by offering discounts or focusing on American tourists to offset the loss of Canadian visitors, many are still grappling with a significant drop in bookings and facing ongoing challenges.Experts suggest that the situation may improve if the political climate shifts and tensions between the US and Canada begin to ease. However, for the time being, the boycott remains a significant challenge for local economies that rely heavily on cross-border tourism.The impact of the Canadian boycott serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching effects that political rhetoric and policy changes can have on international travel. As the US tourism industry grapples with these shifting patterns, it remains to be seen how long the boycott will last and whether diplomatic efforts can restore the vital relationship between the two countries.The US Northeast, including Maine and Vermont, is seeing a significant decline in Canada travelers due to rising political tensions between the two nations. With concerns over safety, border issues, and unfavorable exchange rates, many Canadians are choosing to avoid travel to the US this summer.For now, Maine, Vermont, and other northeastern states are left to navigate this new reality, hoping that their charm offensives and appeals to Canadian tourists will help mitigate the losses. However, with Canadian residents being urged to travel domestically, these regions may find it difficult to fully recover their once-vibrant Canadian tourism market.

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