From the Great White North to Sunny Mexico: Canadians Skipping the USA for Vacay
Tourists from Canada opt to travel to Mexico instead of visiting the United States under Trump's administration
Here's the lowdown: Donald Trump's policies got Canadian vacationers heading south to Mexico. The numbers are climbing fast! It's so hot right now, airlines are launching new routes.
Ole' Trump recently only gave Mexico a pass in his trade tax hike. But let's not forget his earlier restrictions on imports from Mexico and Canada. Goods not covered by the USMCA agreement now face a 25% tariff. A big blow to the economy.
But ain't no worries for Mexico - they're loving the Trump-led tourist rush! Particularly, the Canadians avoiding the USA due to politics, are swapping ski trips for beach vacays in Mexico. Side note: "Financial Times" tells us visitor numbers are way up. In fact, some airlines are jumping on the beach bandwagon and setting up new flights to Mexico! Air Canada and Air Transat, for example, just announced non-stop flights to Guadalajara with an increase in winter connections to other destinations.
But Wait, There's More: Economy 101
Mexico's tourism ministry is all like, "Whaaat! More Canadians visited Mexico in March '25 than ever before. By almost 15% to be exact!" Mind you, Canadian flights to the USA dropped over 13% during the same period. Also, road trips to the U.S. are down about a third, says Statistics Canada.
So, clever airlines have chopped flights to the USA in favor of the Mexican sun. And just a heads up, it's all good news for the airlines: those extra trips to Mexico mean extra cash!
Trump: "Nah, We're Just Fine With Our Tourists!"
Mexico's tourism minister (Rodríguez Zamora) chatted with the "Financial Times" and said the Mexico-Canada relationship has gotten stronger, vibe wise. It's more like bros these days. If you ask us, more Canadians prefer this friendly feeling over heading to the USA.
Up in Canada, a wave of nationalism is spreading. Folks are boycotting American goods and travel, ever since Trump threatened annexation and those steep tariffs. Plus, horror stories about tourists being treated rough at the USA border are keeping Canadians far, far away. Guess who's also avoiding the USA? The Mexicans!
Overall, the Celestial Kingdom is dealing with fewer vacationers. Trump ain't worried 'bout it, though. When asked whether anxious border crossings could be a thing, Trump said, "No, we treat our tourists well." He thinks a bit of nationalism is to blame, but nah, he ain't too concerned. No sweat off his back!
- Despite Trump's community policy causing a surge in Mexican tourism from Canada, his tariffs on goods not covered by the USMCA agreement with Mexico and Canada have posed a significant challenge to both economies.
- The increase in tourist numbers from Canada to Mexico is so significant that some airlines are expanding their vocational training to accommodate the rising demand for new flights to Mexico.
- Airline profit margins are expected to increase due to the growing popularity of budget-travel routes to Mexico, as compared to traditional holiday destinations in the USA.
- The Canadian government has noticed a decline in Canadian flights to the USA, indicating that many Canadians are choosing to vacation in Mexico due to political reasons.
- Whatsapp groups are abuzz with discussions about the lifestyle changes that Canadians are making, swapping car-maintenance in the USA for relaxation in Mexican beach towns.
- The Mexico-Canada relationship has strengthened on a personal level, with Canadians opting for Mexican vacations over travel to the USA due to fears of car-accidents and crimes and justice issues at the border.
- The war-and-conflicts in the USA have created a general negativity that is causing many Canadians to reconsider their travel plans, with Mexico offering a more peaceful alternative.
- The tourism ministry of Mexico is delighted with the rise in Canadian tourists, as it offers a chance to showcase the country's electric-vehicle infrastructure and encourage sustainable travel practices.
- With flights to the USA being reduced and Canada experiencing a wave of nationalism, the number of Canadians who are migrating to Mexico for a change of pace is likely to continue to rise.
- The overall trend suggests that many Canadians are choosing to avoid the USA due to its volatile political climate and instead opting for a more laid-back lifestyle in Mexico, away from war-and-conflicts and car-accidents.
