California launches new tourism program
Share and Follow


() The World Travel and Tourism Council has projected a $12 billion drop in visitor travel spending in the U.S. compared to last year.

To combat that, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state tourism officials are looking to bring Canadian tourists to California with a new tourism campaign called “California loves Canada.” The state has seen about a 20% drop in Canadian visitors so far this year in what Newsom calls a “Trump slump,” pointing to faltering relations between the U.S. and Canada.

According to the governor’s office, in 2024, California welcomed nearly 2 million Canadian visitors, who spent an estimated $3.72 billion, helping to fuel its economy. In a partnership between the state and Expedia, the new tourism campaign includes a “Canada Value Program” with major discounts on various attractions and hotels.

Some Canadians pointed to high costs as a factor in staying away from the U.S., but even with the deals, they say they will continue to boycott due to political tensions and crime.

“A lot of the nice states to go to, I would just avoid, like California looks like it’s even worse with the homeless encampments than Ontario, that just looks dangerous,” Toronto-area resident John told . “Florida is being run by a bunch of nutcases. And New York looks like it’s in worse shape than Toronto when it comes to all the homeless encampments, I mean, like Philadelphia looks awful, Pittsburgh doesn’t look good. I mean, where would we go?”

The hit to tourism is not limited to California. In April, the number of Canadians making return road trips from all checkpoints along the northern U.S. border was down by more than 35% compared to last year. Those returning from the U.S. by plane saw a drop of nearly 20%.

Despite family ties and the long, friendly history between the U.S. and Canada, the outlook is not looking better, with future flight bookings by Canadians to all U.S. destinations down a third.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
2025 CMA Awards: What to expect on Country Music's Biggest Night

2025 CMA Awards Preview: Unveiling Surprises and Highlights of Country Music’s Premier Event

The highly anticipated CMA Awards are set to dazzle audiences on ABC…
ICE Chicago news: Cycling x Solidarity bikes through Back of the Yards to support street vendors during immigration crackdown

ICE Crackdown Spurs Solidarity Ride: Chicago Cyclists Rally to Support Street Vendors in Back of the Yards

CHICAGO (WLS) — On a Sunday afternoon, a group of Chicago cyclists…
Boy, 11, shot dead in horror road rage attack on way to school

Tragic Road Rage Incident Claims Life of 11-Year-Old En Route to School

A tragic road rage incident claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy…
US Marines exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members in Haiti, official says

US Marines Clash with Gang Members in Haiti: A Tense Standoff Unfolds

Last week, U.S. Marines stationed at the American embassy in Haiti found…
Charlotte, North Carolina immigration enforcement surge begins, officials say; agents seen making arrests in multiple locations

Breaking: Immigration Crackdown Intensifies in Charlotte, NC as Officials Ramp Up Arrests Across the City

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Federal authorities announced on Saturday that they have intensified…
Maduro sings John Lennon's 'Imagine' at rally as US warships patrol Venezuelan waters

Maduro’s Serenade: Singing ‘Imagine’ Amidst US Naval Tensions Near Venezuela

During a rally on Saturday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro unexpectedly serenaded the…
Trump crashes Mar-a-Lago wedding to talk about getting into heaven

Trump Surprises Mar-a-Lago Wedding Guests with Unexpected Speech on Heaven

Christian communities have expressed their displeasure after former President Donald Trump made…
Trump says House Republicans should vote to release Epstein files in stunning reversal: 'Nothing to hide'

Trump Urges House Republicans to Release Epstein Files in a Surprising U-Turn: ‘Nothing to Hide

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a surprising change of stance, President Donald Trump…