Article Summary –
Tourists from Canada have significantly decreased visits to Michigan since President Trump’s second term began, primarily due to strained U.S.-Canada relations resulting from proposed tariffs and controversial remarks about annexing Canada. This decline in Canadian visitors has already negatively impacted Michigan’s economy, which heavily relies on tourism, with a noticeable drop in border crossings and potential repercussions for local businesses and job support. As the summer travel season approaches, Michigan remains focused on promoting its attractions to a wide audience, despite challenges posed by existing trade tensions and the boycott of American products by outraged Canadians.
As summer nears, Michigan’s beaches and parks are set to welcome tourists exploring the Great Lakes State. However, Canadian visitors have dropped since Trump began his second term in January.
The relationship with Canada has become strained under Trump’s presidency. He threatened trade tensions by imposing 25% tariffs on Canada, along with product-specific levies on aluminum and steel. Canada countered with its own tariffs, and as of May 8, trade talks continue.
Trump also alarmed Canadians by suggesting annexation into a 51st U.S. state. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney replied firmly against it: “It’s not for sale. Won’t be for sale, ever.”
In response, Canadians have opted to boycott American products and cancel travel to the U.S., which could hurt the U.S. economy, notably in areas like Michigan.
In February, the U.S. saw a drop to about 3.5 million Canadian visitors, down 700,000 from January and 500,000 from last year, as shown by federal data.
Michigan felt this trend acutely: 887,000 people crossed over in February, a 16% drop. The last similar dip happened in February 2023 during COVID-19 travel restrictions.
This decline threatens Michigan’s travel economy, which supported 346,000 jobs, generating $29.3 billion in spending and $3.5 billion in revenue in 2023, per data from the Michigan Office of Tourism.
Michigan earned $237.8 million from 714,900 Canadian visitors in 2023, according to state tourism officials.
“We’re monitoring Canadian travel trends, and Canada remains a focus for the Pure Michigan campaign,” said Kelly Wolgamott, VP of Pure Michigan. “We aim to showcase Michigan’s attractions across its two peninsulas, welcoming all to Pure Michigan.”
Border cities like Port Huron, Sault Ste. Marie, and Detroit will likely bear the economic impact more acutely.
The Blue Water Convention and Visitors Bureau, based in Port Huron and covering the Thumbcoast along Lake Huron, includes Canadian tourists in its strategic tourism plan for the next five years. They did not comment on this story.
Visit Detroit, the tourism bureau for Michigan’s largest city, finds it hard to measure Canadian tourism’s economic effect now but is monitoring the situation.
“Canadian visitors are valued, and we aim to ensure seamless cross-border travel and exceptional experiences for them,” said Claude Molinari, CEO of Visit Detroit. “Long-term tariffs create barriers, affecting both tourism and trade. A strong, cooperative Canada-U.S. relationship is vital for regional economic and cultural health.”
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