Toronto, Canada — As travel patterns shift dramatically, many Canadians are forsaking trips to the United States in favor of international destinations. The move reflects growing concerns about safety, human rights, and the perception of the U.S. as an unwelcoming environment.

Tracy Lamourie, a publicist based in Toronto, has made a definitive decision: She will avoid the U.S. altogether, opting instead for European adventures and virtual meetings. “With the rhetoric surrounding the U.S. feeling increasingly uncomfortable, I’ve placed it firmly on my no-go list,” she stated.

This sentiment is gaining traction among Canadians, leading to a notable decline in cross-border tourism. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that these changing behaviors could result in a $5.7 billion hit to the U.S. economy this year. This represents a significant loss for regions highly dependent on Canadian visitors.

Statistics Canada has reported a surge in domestic travel within Canada, alongside increased Canadian visits to destinations such as Mexico, Portugal, the Bahamas, and Belize. Specifically, data indicates a nearly 12% rise in travel to Mexican cities. Notably, summer spending in places like Buenos Aires and Tokyo saw over a 100% increase compared to the previous year.

Consequently, U.S. regions reliant on Canadian tourism are feeling the effects. In Vermont, for example, the number of Canadians crossing the border between January and July dropped by 30%. Similarly, Las Vegas reported an 18% fall in Canadian visitors during the same timeframe, mirroring trends seen in South Florida and Upstate New York.

Flight connectivity plays a significant role in this shift. Air Canada is expanding its offerings, with executives announcing new non-stop routes to key European cities such as Berlin and Brussels. “We’re enhancing access to prime travel destinations while boosting economic ties and tourism,” said Mark Galardo, an executive at the airline.

The airline also plans to launch 13 new routes to the Caribbean and Central America later this year, likely attracting Canadian “snowbirds” who traditionally flocked to the U.S. for winter vacations. With these strategic changes, Canadians now have more options to travel beyond the U.S., especially during the colder months.

As Canada navigates this evolving travel landscape, the implications for cross-border tourism are becoming clear. While international travel flourishes, the potential loss for U.S. regions once frequented by Canadians raises pressing questions about the future of tourism dynamics in North America.