Vacating the USA: Canadians Flocking to Mexico in Larger Numbers Due to Trump
Tourists from Canada flock to Mexico, fueled by President Trump's policies
Here's a lowdown on Canadians opting for sun-kissed Mexico over the United States, all thanks to current politics.
Trump's Trade Policies:President Trump's latest tariff round left Mexico untouched. However, his earlier measures affecting imports from Mexico and Canada, such as the 25% tariffs on non-USMCA-covered goods, have strained the economy. Yet, Mexico is gaining from Trump's unpredictable trade policy as a tourist destination.
Political Reasons:Canadians are shunning the USA due to political reasons and choosing to holiday in Mexico instead. The Financial Times reported a sharp increase in Canadian tourists visiting the country. This trend is also prompting airlines to establish new flight routes to Mexico.
- Surging Numbers:Mexico's tourism ministry reported a near 15% increase in Canadian tourists in March 2025 compared to the previous year. Simultaneously, Canadian flights to the USA decreased by over 13% in the same period, with border crossings by car falling by approximately a third, according to Statistics Canada.
Airlines' Response:Some airlines have reduced flights from Canada to the USA in favor of flights to Mexico. Air Canada and Air Transat have announced new non-stop flights to Guadalajara and increased winter connections to other destinations in Mexico.
Trump's Response:Mexico's tourism minister, Rodríguez Zamora, stated that the relationship between Mexico and Canada has grown closer in recent months, resembling a brotherhood. Canadians seem to be choosing a more welcoming policy and visiting Mexico instead of the USA.
Canadian-American Tensions:In Canada, a movement to boycott American goods and travel has grown since Trump's threat of annexation and new high tariffs. Reports of harsh treatment of tourists upon entry to the USA are also discouraging travel. Meanwhile, Mexicans are avoiding travel to the USA. The number of Mexican tourists flying to the USA in March 2025 dropped by almost a quarter compared to 2024, according to the US Commerce Department.
Tourism Suffering:Overall, the Commerce Department recorded a 12% decrease in overseas visitors in March 2025. Trump seems unperturbed, dismissing fears of possible arrests upon entry as groundless and dismissing the role of nationalism in travel decisions.
Cultural Appeal and Economic Factors:The increase in Canadian tourists visiting Mexico is fueled by cultural appeal, economic considerations, and political climate. Airbnb reported a 27% increase in bookings by Canadian users in Mexico between March 2024 and 2025, while bookings in the USA declined by 12%. Trivago noted a 20% increase in Canadian searches for accommodations in Mexico during the first quarter of 2025.
Economic Implications:The influx of Canadian tourists may help offset some economic challenges faced by Mexico, including a potential recession predicted by the IMF. While specific airline data is not readily available, the overall growth in air travel to Mexico suggests a positive impact on airlines servicing these routes.
Community members might find value in understanding the policy implications of this trend, as many are opting for vacation in Mexico instead of the USA due to current politics. This shift in lifestyle has led to a rise in vocational training opportunities for tourism-related industries, such as hospitality, in Mexican communities.
The surge in Canadian travelers to Mexico for holiday purposes has also sparked discussions around general-news outlets, with some calling attention to the connections between travel choices and political climate. As more Canadians choose Mexico for vacations, there's a growing potential for exchange and cooperation on a global scale, potentially extending beyond tourism to vocational training and other areas.
