‘A wasted effort’: US tourism groups attempt to win Canadian visitors back
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Appeals from American tourism organizations seemed to be everywhere Josh Loewen looked over the last year. Billboards and banners proclaimed a state or city's love for Canada. Online and social media ads offered special deals for travelers from north of the border.
American tourism groups have been making efforts to win back Canadian visitors, but their attempts seem to be in vain, according to Josh Loewen, a Vancouver resident and marketing executive. After President Donald Trump took office, there was a significant drop in the number of Canadians traveling to the United States due to his statements about making Canada the 51st state.
A trade war between the two countries has further exacerbated the situation. The U.S. imposed import taxes of up to 50% on various Canadian products, while Canada retaliated in kind. Trump even ordered the renaming of Lake Ontario to "Lake America." Despite these efforts, Canadian travelers are avoiding the U.S., leading to a decline in overnight visits and a sharp decrease in spending.
Las Vegas and other destinations are still trying to persuade Canadians to return, but it remains uncertain if this trend will reverse.
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