Canadian Tourism to Maine Drops 26% in Three Months After Trump's Inauguration

Strategic Insights -

Following President Donald Trump's inauguration, 166,000 fewer travelers came into Maine from Canada, a decline of 26% compared to the same period in 2024. The data, released this week by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, suggests Canadians are making good on their threats to boycott Maine and other border states in protest of Trump's trade policies and continued rhetoric about making Canada the 51st state. The decrease in Canadian visitors, which also includes residents and workers, comes at a critical time for Maine's tourism industry, which is still trying to recover from the pandemic and relies heavily on Canadian visitors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of travelers from Canada into Maine dropped by 35% in April compared to the same month in 2024, with 147,000 visitors, the lowest number since May 2022.
  • The total number of travelers from Canada into all northern border states dropped by 2.4 million (21%) from February to April, compared to the same period in 2024.
  • Public polls and media reports in Canada suggest that Canadians are actively avoiding leisure travel to the U.S. due to Trump's tariff policies and rhetoric on making Canada the 51st state.
  • Tariffs, implemented by Trump, are a contributing factor to the decline in Canadian tourism, with a 25% tariff on most goods and a 10% tariff on energy products.
  • The U.S. is on track to lose $12.5 billion in international travel spending this year, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, with Canada and Mexico being major sources of international travel.
  • The U.S. Travel Association estimates that a 10% drop in Canadian tourism could cost the U.S. $2.1 billion in spending and threaten 140,000 jobs.

Statistics:

  • Reduction in travelers from Canada to Maine in the first three months after Trump's inauguration: 166,000 (26% decline).
  • Reduction in Canadian visitors to Maine in April 2025: 35% from April 2024 (147,000).
  • Overall reduction in travelers from Canada into all northern border states (February to April): 2.4 million (21% decline).
  • Estimated loss for the U.S. in international travel spending: $12.5 billion.
  • Estimated cost of a 10% drop in Canadian tourism: $2.1 billion.
  • Number of potential job losses due to a 10% drop in Canadian tourism: 140,000.

Sources:

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine) - www.pressherald.com
  • The New York Times
  • World Travel & Tourism Council
  • U.S. Travel Association
  • Maine Office of Tourism