Trade tensions mean fewer Canadians flocking to South Florida
South Florida tourism businesses are seeing fluctuating numbers of Canadian 'snowbirds' due to trade tensions, currency exchange rates, and border security requirements. While some businesses have struggled, others have successfully used marketing and events to recover their visitor numbers.
Why it matters
It illustrates how international trade disputes and geopolitical friction can have direct, localized economic impacts on the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Beside the palm trees on the campus of Richard's Motel in Hollywood, Fla., are a life-size fiberglass Canadian moose and signs welcoming Canadians. Typically, fall weather brings a community of French Canadians to the property, which owner Richard Clavet has nicknamed "Little Quebec."
But Clavet, a Quebec native himself, said the trade war between the United States and Canada that began last year brought a flurry of cancellations. Some guests feigned illness. But one caller was blunt, blaming politics.
"You have a $1,000 deposit already paid, you know — you're turning that down if you're not coming. At least postpone it or do something," Clavet recalled telling the guest.
Clavet said the caller replied, "No, I'm not going in the U.S. anymore."
The United States has long been Canadians' top travel destination, according to data from the Canadian government .
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