Mexico Beats the USA: Why More Canadians Choose Mexico Over the US
Canadians flocking to Mexico as Trump administration deters visits to US border
The number of Canadian tourists visiting Mexico has increased significantly, due in part to Donald Trump's controversial policies and rhetoric. In March 2025, a whopping 15.6% more Canadians chose Mexico as their travel destination compared to the previous year. This comes as a blow to the US, as Canada used to be their second-largest international market after the United States itself, with around 2.5 million visitors [1][2].
However, Mexico has welcomed 3.8 million foreign tourists by air in the first two months of 2025, which marks a 2.7% increase over the same period in 2024 and a staggering 17.9% surge compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels [5].
The Growing Divide: Political Tensions at Play
The increase in Canadian tourists to Mexico corresponds with a significant decline in Canadian tourism to the United States. This trend is linked to the politically charged climate under the Trump administration. Here are some key factors contributing to this shift:
- Political Strife: Trump administration rhetoric, including controversial statements about Canada, such as suggesting it could become the "51st state", has created a frosty rapport among Canadian travelers [3].
- US Travel Drop: In March 2025, the number of Canadians traveling to the US by car dropped by an alarming 32% compared to the previous year, while air travel from Canada to the US fell by 13.5% during the same period [3].
- Mexico's Attraction: Frustrated Canadian tourists are turning towards Mexico, lured by its warm climate, rich cultural attractions, and improved tourism infrastructure like the new Tren Maya rail system [1][5].
Economic and Tourism Industry Ramifications
This shift is having far-reaching implications, reshaping North American tourism patterns and fueling a broader regional rebound in the Americas [5]. On the other hand, the US tourism industry is struggling economically due to the loss of a traditionally lucrative market [3].
In Donald Trump's Words: "We Love Our Tourists"
Mexico's tourism minister, Rodríguez Zamora, told the Financial Times that the relationship between Mexico and Canada has strengthened and is "more like a brotherhood." This suggests that Canadians are gravitating towards a country with a friendlier policy [4].
In Canada, there has been a growing sentimental boycott of American goods and travel, with reports of harsh treatment of tourists entering the US also deterring travelers [3]. Fewer Mexicans are making the trip to the US, with the number of Mexican tourists flying to the US in March 2025 down by a quarter compared to 2024 [4].
Tourism Suffers: Is Trump to Blame?
Overall, the Commerce Department recorded a 12% decrease in overseas visitors in March [4]. Trump has downplayed the impact, claiming that "We treat our tourists well." When asked if fears of possible arrests at the border could play a role, Trump responded skeptically: "No, a little nationalism doesn't hurt" [4].
- The community policy under the Trump administration has led to an increase in the number of Canadians opting for vocational training in Mexican vocational institutions instead of traveling to the USA.
- Some argue that the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on certain goods have contributed to the growing preference of Canadians for the lifestyle offered by Mexico, thereby increasing the demand for tourism in the city of Guadalajara.
- Prior to the political tensions under the Trump administration, WhatsApp groups dedicated to travel and tourism would often discuss the general-news related to tourist-friendly policies in both Mexico and the USA, but now, more posts are focusing on the positive developments in Mexico's vocational training programs and tourism industry.
- In response to the increased number of Canadian tourists visiting Mexico, there has been a call for further vocational training programs to accommodate the growing demand in the tourism industry, as well as improved infrastructure like the new Tren Maya rail system.
- While the decrease in Canadian tourism to the USA is a matter of concern for the US politics, the period of increased tourism from Canada to Mexico has led to a positive boost in the economic and tourism industry ramifications for Mexico, particularly in the sector of vocational training and tourism infrastructure.
