Concerns are rising in Florida that the current trade tensions and wider political disputes between the U.S. and Canada could hurt the state's tourism industry by potentially reducing the number of Canadian visitors flocking to the state.
While U.S. President Donald Trump has delayed his proposed 25 percent tariffs on most products from Canada for at least another month, levies on aluminum and steel took effect on Wednesday, and Trump has threatened more tariffs on Canadian lumber and dairy products.
In response, Canada has imposed retaliatory tariffs on many U.S. imports and a hefty surcharge on all electricity exports to three northern U.S. states.
Meanwhile, Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney, who officially took office on Friday after succeeding Justin Trudeau, said in his election victory speech that Trump is "attacking Canadian workers, families and businesses" and slammed the U.S. president for his "unjustified tariffs" on Canada and repeated remarks about annexing the country.
This escalating trade war could cast a shadow over the tourism industry, given the important role Canadian visitors play in the U.S. travel sector. According to the U.S. Travel Association, 20.4 million Canadians visited the U.S. in 2024, generating 20.5 billion U.S. dollars in spending and supporting 140,000 jobs.
The impact of the tariffs is expected to be felt in the state of Florida, where Canadian tourists make up a significant portion of visitors. Many of them are known as "snowbirds" for choosing to spend the long Canadian winters in the much warmer climate of Florida.
The state's official tourism marketing organization recorded 3.2 million Canadian visitors last year, marking a 19.8 percent increase from 2022 and the highest number by far from any country.
William Buzzi, a Florida store manager, proudly emphasized that the scenic beauty of Hollywood Beach, which runs between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, attracts many tourists who generate substantial spending.
However, he expressed frustration over the ongoing trade tensions and the Trump administration's handling of the situation.
"We get a huge Canadian crowd here in Hollywood Beach, and they love it here, as you can see. How can you not fall in love with this. And they love Hollywood, and for years and years they come. They come down here and they spend a lot of money with us. So we are concerned. But what can we do? I mean, it's the government," he said.
While many Canadian tourists insist they will keep on coming, some acknowledge that the wider economic impact brought by the tariffs, which could hit the Canadian dollar hard, may deter travelers from heading to Florida.
"We like the weather here. We don't like the snow. So we will continue to come for sure. I think the main impact would be if the Canadian dollar is dropping again, this will be the main reason why the 'snowbirds' won't be coming to Florida because of the Canadian dollar. It's pretty bad now, and I think that it's one of the reasons why some people are not coming," said a tourist named Rejeen Gourde.
Denis Forget, another Canadian tourist, stated that some might change their travel plans due to currency fluctuations and other factors, but added he would still continue visiting.
"I won't stop. I know that a lot of people will probably change their plan for vacation. Currency is one of the things, right, the dollars. And some, as a protestation, will stay in Canada, for example, this summer. But I won't say it's for everybody. But it's not going to be me," he said.
Fears rise as tariffs may drive Canadian 'snowbird' tourists away from Florida
Fears rise as tariffs may drive Canadian 'snowbird' tourists away from Florida
