Relations between the United States and Canada have deteriorated rapidly in the wake of threats by President Trump ranging from imposing tariffs to outright annexation.
In response to Trump’s tariff threats, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on Canadians to spend money at home, including vacationing in Canada instead of visiting the US. Some Canadians seem to be taking his advice, which could affect Maine’s tourism industry.
According to the Maine Office of Tourism, Canadians make up a small but important share of Maine’s visitors. In 2023, only 5% of visitors to Maine came from Canada, but that small group made a big impact:
- Over 750,000 visitors
- More than $450 million in direct spending, generating over $800 million in economic impact
- Support for 6,550 jobs
- $67 million in state and local tax revenue
While a total boycott of Maine by Canadian tourists seems unlikely, even a partial decline in visitors could have a real impact on the state’s economy, especially in places like southern beaches and Downeast border communities where many Canadian tourists visit. This is just one of the ways the president’s international policies can have real consequences for Mainers.
