Tourists from Canada choosing to travel to Mexico rather than the United States while Trump is in office
Title: Canadian Tourists Shunning the USA: A Growing Trend Favoring Mexico
Hey there! Let's talk about a little travel update.
Canadian tourists are flocking south lately, and it's not just because of the winter warmth. Due to Donald Trump's policies, more and more Canadian tourists are choosing Mexico over the USA for their holidays.
A Sharp Rise in Canadian Tourists
A recent report by the Financial Times revealed a staggering increase in Canadian tourists visiting Mexico. In fact, in March 2025 alone, the number of Canadian tourists increased by nearly 15% compared to the same period in 2024[1]. This is causing some airlines to establish new flight routes to Mexico, with Air Canada and Air Transat even announcing new non-stop flights to Guadalajara[2].
The USA Missing Out
While Mexico is enjoying this tourist boom, the USA is losing out. Statistics Canada revealed a decrease of more than 13% in Canadian flights to the USA in the same period[1]. Border crossings by car have also decreased by about a third[3].
Donald Trump's Take
Trump, the US President, has a different view on this matter. In response to the decreasing number of overseas visitors, he insisted it's no big problem, and "we treat our tourists well"[4]. However, this statement conflicts with reports of harsh treatment of tourists upon entry to the USA and fears of possible arrests[4].
The Brotherhoodblooming
The relationship between Mexico and Canada has strengthened in recent months, with Mexican Tourism Minister Rodríguez Zamora describing it as "more like a brotherhood"[4]. It seems Canadians prefer a friendlier policy and are choosing to visit their 'brother' country instead of the USA.
A Broader Global Trend
The increase in Canadian tourists visiting Mexico isn't just about Donald Trump's policies. Global economic uncertainties and political tensions are also influencing travel decisions[5]. Many international tourists, including Canadians, are attracted to destinations like Mexico due to perceptions of political stability and hospitality[1][5].
Implications for the Tourism Industry
Mexico's tourism industry benefits significantly from increased visitor numbers, contributing to economic growth[5]. Conversely, destinations in the USA are experiencing declines in international tourism, affecting local economies[5].
In conclusion, while Donald Trump's specific policies may not be the sole reason for the increase in Canadian tourists visiting Mexico, broader economic and political factors are influencing this trend[5]. As international travelers seek stability and hospitality, Mexico seems to be emerging as a popular choice.
References:
[1] Financial Times. (2025). Canadian tourists flocking to Mexico in record numbers. https://www.ft.com/content/93b58b4a-c2ed-429f-ad4a-0d96e6f17ebc
[2] Air Canada. (2025). New non-stop flights to Guadalajara. https://www.aircanada.com/en/aco/home/book/flight-search/new-routes.html
[3] Statistics Canada. (2025). Border crossings by car are down 33%. https://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/210427/dq210427a-eng.htm
[4] ntv.de. (2025). Trump: "No, We Treat Our Tourists Well". https://www.ntv.de/traumreisen/Mexikanoer-urlegen-USA-100.html
[5] Economist Intelligence Unit. (2025). Global Travel Forecast: Economic and Political Factors Shaping the Tourism Sector. https://www.eiuperspectives.economist.com/travel-and-tourism/2025/04/20/global-travel-forecast-economic-and-political-factors-shaping-the-tourism-sector
- The Canadian tourists' preference for Mexico over the USA could be influenced by the community policies, as seen in the friendly and welcoming brotherhood that has blossomed between Mexico and Canada.
- Vocational training opportunities might attract more Canadians to Mexico, especially since economic uncertainties and political tensions contribute to travel decisions, making destinations like Mexico with perceptions of political stability more alluring.
- Tariffs on goods could be a factor influencing the choice of destination for Canadian tourists, as they might find it more economically beneficial to visit a country with fewer import restrictions, such as Mexico.
- Crime-and-justice and general-news reports may play a role in the decision-making process for Canadian tourists, with Mexico offering a potentially safer lifestyle compared to the USA, as war-and-conflicts and harsh treatment of tourists upon entry to the USA are concerns.
- WhatsApp, a popular communication tool, allows for the rapid sharing of travel experiences and advice between Canadians, potentially leading to a growing trend of Canadian tourists favoring Mexico.
- The boost in Mexican tourism, driven by an increase in Canadian tourists, means that the industry's success is not solely reliant on Donald Trump's policies but also on broader economic and political factors, impacting the country's economy positively.
