Overview
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he will forgo his usual winter visit to Florida and described an organic boycott by Canadians that he argues is hurting the state’s economy and President Trump’s standing, while urging people to support local tourism in Canada.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded by posting that Florida is breaking tourism records and highlighted Visit Florida releases showing overall visitation gains.
- Visit Florida data show Canadian visitors fell 17 percent in the first quarter of 2025 and 20 percent in the three months ending June 30, with 640,000 Canadians in Q2 versus far higher quarterly averages in 2024.
- A U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee–Minority report said passenger vehicle crossings at the U.S.–Canada border dropped nearly 20 percent year over year from January through October, with border businesses reporting fewer tourists and lower sales.
- Additional indicators point to strain tied to fewer Canadian travelers and buyers, including a Snowbird Advisor survey showing fewer members planning U.S. winters, a U.S. Travel Association estimate of a 3.2 percent decline in international tourism spending led by Canadian boycotts, and reports of softer demand in parts of Florida’s housing market.