A boycott by Canadians against travel to the United States has led California Governor Gavin Newsom to create a social media appeal urging them to return. In a video message, Newsom encourages Canadians to overlook the political climate in Washington and enjoy the attractions California has to offer, including its renowned wine, sunshine, and beaches.
“Today we launched a new international campaign focused on encouraging Canadians to come visit the great state of California,” Newsom stated in the video. He emphasized the significant decline in Canadian travel to the U.S. as a consequence of recent political tensions. “The state of mind in the United States of America has dramatically changed as it relates to the approach to Canada. We want to make sure we send a message to our Canadian friends up north to come to a state where two million Canadians visited last year. Come visit a state where there is something for everybody. Visit California,” he further elaborated.
Recent changes to travel requirements for Canadians have added to their hesitance about visiting the U.S. These include mandatory registration with the American government for stays exceeding 30 days. Concerns about potential border detentions have also surfaced, contributing to a decline in enthusiasm among Canadian travelers. As a result, many Canadians are feeling disillusioned about traveling to the United States.
According to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, crossings from Canada into the United States fell by approximately 32 percent in March compared to the same month the previous year, representing a loss of around 864,000 travelers. This drastic reduction has severely impacted Canadian travel agents, whose business prospects in the U.S. have nearly evaporated, particularly following President Trump’s tariffs and controversial comments about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state.
Amidst these developments, the Canadian Association of University Teachers issued updated travel advisories pointing to the “political landscape” created by the Trump administration. They noted that Canadians who have expressed dissenting views about the U.S. government might encounter difficulties while traveling. The association highlighted that academics from countries experiencing tense diplomatic relations with the United States should exercise caution regarding their travel plans. This suggestion underscores the broader concerns and the affecting climate surrounding U.S.-Canada relations.
