Canadian tourism industry gets proactive as US visitors drop
Share and Follow

Canada’s tourism industry is going on an offensive — rolling out ad campaigns in US border states to lure Americans back to the Great White North.

US travel to Canada dipped by about 10% in recent months, amid the raging trade war between the two neighbors.


A man and woman embracing.
An American tourist looks confused as he receives a warm hug from a Canadian hotel employee in a new TV ad. YouTube/Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est

A TV commercial currently airing in New England and New York shows an American tourist in a baseball cap and sweater tied around his shoulders, quietly telling a Canadian hotel employee that he comes from the United States.

The employee looks awkwardly towards him and presses what looks like some kind of red panic button – before bursting out a smile and walking across the desk to hug him.

Other ads take more of a practical approach, trying instead to appeal to American’s pocketbooks.

One billboard campaign simply reminds Americans how much further their dollar will go north of the 49th parallel.

“$1 USD = $1.43 CAD,” reads the billboard from Destination Ontario, which has been spotted in Detroit and Cleveland, among other border towns. “Spend less, do more.”


"$1 USD = $1.43 CAD," reads the billboard from Destination Ontario, which has been spotted in Detroit and Cleveland, among other border towns. "Spend less, do more."
Americans make up more than three-quarters of tourists to Canada. Destination Ontario

American tourists make up the bulk of visitors to Canada – last summer, 78.5%, nearly four out of five visitors to the Great White North came from the US.

The drop hasn’t been as dramatic as Canadian tourists to the US – who’ve boycotted the country en masse, leading to a 30-40% fall in air and land travel.

But it’s sure to make a dent in the tourism industry – according to Statistics Canada, Americans spent $15.3 billion in the country last year.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chicago City Council considers teen curfew, hemp ban, CPD settlements in 1st meeting of year since passing 2026 budget

Chicago City Council Deliberates Teen Curfew, Hemp Restrictions, and CPD Settlements in First Post-Budget Meeting of the Year

Chicago played host to a significant City Council meeting on Wednesday, marking…
Teen mass killer pleads guilty to NC rampage that left five dead, including brother, police officer

Teenager admits guilt in North Carolina mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of five, including his brother and a police officer.

In a somber courtroom session on Wednesday, an 18-year-old from Raleigh, North…
3 Democrats voted to hold the Clintons in contempt

Breaking: Three Democrats Defy Party Lines to Hold Clintons in Contempt – What This Means for the Future

(The Hill) — In a surprising twist, several Democrats joined forces with…
Trial of NJ tech boss accused of murdering brother takes ‘Sopranos’-like turn

NJ Tech Executive’s Murder Trial Unveils Shocking ‘Sopranos’-Style Twist

A sound he couldn’t ignore reverberated in his mind. The courtroom drama…
Rangers fall flat against Kings for 10th loss in last 12 games

Rangers Struggle Continues with Another Defeat to Kings, Marking 10 Losses in 12 Games

LOS ANGELES — From the onset of the season, the Rangers have…
REAL reason the Beckhams hate 'childlike' Nicola Peltz

Unveiling Tensions: Why the Beckhams Reportedly Disapprove of ‘Childlike’ Nicola Peltz

Brooklyn Beckham has officially severed ties with his family, a move he…
Chicago weather: Residents of Chicago apartments for seniors at Evergreen Tower use portable heaters, ovens amid heating issues

Chicago Senior Residents Resort to Portable Heaters and Ovens as Evergreen Tower Faces Heating Crisis

CHICAGO (WLS) — As a cold front sweeps through Chicago, some elderly…
Gavin Newsom is DENIED entry to Trump's Davos clubhouse

Gavin Newsom Blocked from Entering Trump’s Exclusive Davos Gathering

Donald Trump has banned California Governor Gavin Newsom from entering the USA…