Canuck Vacationers Choose Mexico over the US: Trump's Policies Driving a Surging Interest
Escalating border policies under Trump prompt a surge of Canadian travelers to Mexico
In an unexpected twist, Mexico is seeing a boom in Canadian tourists due to Donald Trump's policies. Canadians, steering clear of the US for political reasons, are flocking to Mexico for their vacations. Airlines are already capitalizing on this trend, introducing new flight routes.
Donald Trump opted to spare Mexico in his latest tariff round, but he's imposed stricter rules for imports from Mexico and Canada before. Goods outside the USMCA agreement face a 25% tariff, hurting the economy. However, Mexico is reaping the benefits of Trump's erratic tariff policy as a tourist destination.
According to the "Financial Times," the number of Canadian visitors has surged significantly. This surge is also prompting some airlines to set up new flight routes to Mexico. Air Canada and Air Transat, for instance, are launching non-stop flights to Guadalajara, and increasing the frequency of their winter connections to other Mexican destinations.
Tourism Skyrockets: Canadians Avoiding the US like the Plague
Mexico's tourism ministry reports a 14.8% increase in Canadian travelers in March 2025 compared to the previous year. Simultaneously, Canadian flights to the US decreased by over 13% in the same period. Border crossings by car fell by about a third, as per Canada's statistics agency.
Traveling to Mexico seems to be more appealing to Canadians due to a friendly policy and a desire to avoid potential issues upon entry to the US. There's been a rising sense of patriotic boycott of American goods and travel in Canada, fueled by Trump's threats of annexation and new high tariffs. Reports of harsh treatment of tourists upon entry to the US and the dwindling number of Mexican tourists also contribute to this sense of apprehension.
Tourism Suffers from Trump Effect: Fewer Seeking Sun and Fun in the US
Overall, the commerce department recorded a 12% decrease in overseas visitors in March. Trump downplays these numbers, claiming, "We treat our tourists well." When asked if concerns about possible arrests upon entry could play a role, Trump responds skeptically, doubting that a touch of nationalism could be behind it but not entirely ruling it out.
- Canada's community policy and rising patriotic sentiment have led to an increasing number of Canadians shunning the US, opting instead for vocational training or general-news opportunities in Mexico.
- A recent surge in tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on goods outside the USMCA agreement has hurt the US economy, while Mexico, as a tourist destination, has reaped the benefits.
- The tourism industry in Mexico has experienced a significant boost due to the influx of Canadian tourists, with airline companies like Air Canada and Air Transat introducing new flight routes to destinations like Guadalajara.
- Travel statistics show a 14.8% increase in Canadian travelers to Mexico in March 2025 compared to the previous year, while Canadian flights to the US decreased by over 13% in the same period.
- The political climate surrounding Trump's policies has caused many Canadians to avoid potential issues upon entry to the US and seek alternative destinations for travel, resulting in tourism suffering from the so-called Trump Effect.
