Shunning the USA! Donald Trump's Policies driving Canadian Tourists to Mexico
Canadians Flock South to Mexico Due to Trump's Policies
Hint: Find cheap flights and a warm welcome - Mexico's having a tourism boom thanks to Donald Trump's tariff policies!
In his latest round of tariffs, Donald Trump spared Mexico. But that's a moot point for Canadians avoiding the U.S. due to Trump's political leanings. They're flocking to Mexico instead, and airlines are cashing in with new routes.
Trump's unpredictable tariff policies have left the economic location in the red. Yet, Mexico is reaping the benefits as a popular tourist destination. Especially Canadian tourists are ditching the U.S. for a hassle-free holiday in the sun. According to the "Financial Times," Mexico has seen a significant increase in Canadian visitors.
Economy Trump's Travel Turmoil: As a result, the number of Canadians traveling to Mexico increased by almost 15% in March compared to the previous year. On the flip side, Canadian flights to the U.S. decreased by more than 13% in the same period. Car border crossings fell by about a third, according to Canada's statistics agency.
Some airlines have responded to the surge in Canadian tourists by focusing on flights to Mexico. Air Canada and Air Transat have announced new non-stop flights to Guadalajara. They're also increasing the frequency of their winter connections to other Mexican destinations.
Trump: "No, We Treat Our Tourists Well"
Mexico's tourism minister, Rodríguez Zamora, told the "Financial Times" that the relationship between Mexico and Canada has grown stronger in recent months, feeling more like a brotherhood. The latest tourist numbers indicate that Canadians are choosing a friendlier policy and visiting Mexico over the U.S.
In Canada, a boycott of American goods and travel has gained momentum since Trump's threats of annexation and new high tariffs. Reports of harsh treatment of tourists upon entry to the U.S. are also deterring. Even Mexicans are avoiding travel to the U.S. The number of Mexican tourists flying to the U.S. in March of this year is down by almost a quarter compared to 2024, according to the U.S. commerce department.
Economy Traveling Troubles: Overall, the commerce department recorded a 12% drop in overseas visitors in March. Asked about potential fears of arrests upon entry, Trump replied: "No, we treat our tourists well." He dismissed any suggestion that a touch of nationalism might be involved.
- USA
- Canada
- Mexico
- Tourism Industry
- Airlines
Enrichment Data:The increase in Canadian tourists choosing Mexico over the United States is strongly linked to the impact of Donald Trump’s trade and border policies implemented in 2025. These policies have led to a significant decline in Canadian visitation to the U.S., shifting Canadian travel preferences toward destinations like Mexico.
Recent Trends in Canadian Tourism to Mexico
- Between March 2024 and March 2025, Canadian users on Airbnb booked 27% more nights in Mexico, indicating a notable rise in Canadian tourist stays there[1].
- This increase corresponds with a marked drop in Canadian travel to the U.S., where Canadian car crossings fell by 32% and air travel by 13.5% year-over-year as of early 2025[3].
Impact of Trump’s Policies
- In early 2025, Trump signed executive orders imposing steep tariffs (up to 25%) on goods from Canada and Mexico, excluding some exceptions such as Canadian oil and energy exports with a lower 10% tariff. These tariffs were justified under a national emergency declaration citing border security and drug trafficking concerns[4].
- Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, including suggestions about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state, and tariffs on Canadian products have soured Canadian sentiment toward the U.S., directly discouraging travel[3].
- Political tensions, rising U.S. dollar strength, rising costs of travel, increased border wait times, and a general push for Canadians to support domestic tourism have compounded the shift away from U.S. destinations[2][3].
- As a result, major U.S. tourist regions such as California and Florida have experienced revenue losses and are launching special marketing campaigns with discounts to try and woo Canadian visitors back[2].
Impact on Airlines and the Tourism Industry
- Airlines operating between Canada and the U.S. are seeing reduced passenger volumes; the decline in air travel from Canada to the U.S. is estimated at 13.5% during the key recent period[3].
- Retail, hospitality, and other tourism-related sectors in U.S. border states are negatively affected due to the decrease in Canadian visitors[2][3].
- Conversely, Mexico’s tourism industry benefits from increased Canadian tourist activity, as reflected in Airbnb bookings and overall arrivals, potentially boosting airline bookings on Canada-Mexico routes and supporting the hospitality sector there[1][3].
- The tourism boom in Mexico is largely attributed to Donald Trump's tariff policies, as Canadian tourists are avoiding the United States due to political reasons.
- The rise in Canadian visitors to Mexico is evident in the statistics, with a 15% increase in March 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the "Financial Times."
- Air Canada and Air Transat have announced new non-stop flights to Guadalajara, Mexico, in response to the surge in Canadian tourists.
- The Canadian travel industry has been affected, with a 13% decrease in flights to the United States in the same period, and a 32% decrease in car border crossings, according to Canada's statistics agency.
- The increase in Canadian tourists choosing Mexico over the United States is strongly linked to Donald Trump’s trade and border policies implemented in 2025, which have led to a significant decline in Canadian visitation to the U.S.
- The decrease in Canadian travel to the U.S. has led to revenue losses for major tourist regions such as California and Florida, who are launching special marketing campaigns with discounts to try and woo Canadian visitors back.
- The surge in Canadian tourists to Mexico has implications for airlines and the tourism industry, potentially boosting airline bookings on Canada-Mexico routes and supporting the hospitality sector in Mexico.
