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
Bryan Kohberger prosecutors announce reversal on gag order after Idaho killer's confession

Bryan Kohberger prosecutors announce reversal on gag order after Idaho killer’s confession

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Idaho prosecutors have dropped…
'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson banned from driving for six months after speeding in UK

‘Emma Watson, ‘Harry Potter’ Star, Faces Six-Month Driving Ban in the UK for Speeding’

Former “Harry Potter” star Emma Watson has been banned from driving for…
Jane's Addiction suing Perry Farrell for $10M over onstage brawl

Jane’s Addiction Files $10M Lawsuit Against Perry Farrell Following Onstage Altercation

Members of the band Jane’s Addiction, including Dave Navarro, Eric Avery, and…
Singer Connie Francis, whose hits included 'Who's Sorry Now?' and 'Pretty Little Baby,' dies at 87

Famed Singer Connie Francis, Known for Songs Like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Pretty Little Baby,” Passes Away at 87

Connie Francis, the wholesome pop star of the 1950s and 1960s whose…
Chilling security footage captures woman's desperate escape from Florida kidnapping attempt in parking lot

Chilling security footage captures woman’s desperate escape from Florida kidnapping attempt in parking lot

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A terrifying surveillance video…
Simone Biles sparks fury with gender comment in ESPYs speech

Simone Biles’ ESPYs Speech Ignites Debate Over Gender Remarks

Simone Biles took home the first ESPY award of the night on…
Jelly Roll puts Logan Paul through a table on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'

Jelly Roll slams Logan Paul through a table on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’

Jelly Roll’s debut as a late-night talk show host was one for…
Haunted doll tour turns tragic as paranormal investigator Dan Rivera dies at 54

Haunted doll tour turns tragic as paranormal investigator Dan Rivera dies at 54

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera…