Only On The Walters Post
Now, I’m not here to tell folks what to think, I’m just sharing what life has shown me. Take from it what makes sense, leave the rest, but maybe let it sit with you a while.
I’ve been reading and hearing quite a bit lately about how Canada’s decision to keep more of its travel dollars at home is hurting the folks down south. Some say the U.S. is losing billions from Canadians choosing not to vacation there, or even from so-called boycotts. But when I look at the whole picture, it feels more like a story that’s been blown up by a few people trying to stir the pot.
Sure, there’s truth in the numbers. Fewer Canadians are heading across the border or flying off to Florida and Arizona. Some estimates suggest the U.S. has lost billions because of that. Border towns and places that once relied on steady streams of Canadians popping in to shop or fill up on gas are certainly feeling it. There’s no arguing those local impacts.
But step back a little and you’ll see the real situation. The United States is a massive country with a booming domestic travel industry. Most folks heading to Florida or Las Vegas or New York are Americans, not Canadians. They’ve also got visitors pouring in from Europe, Asia, and all over. That steady flow of people more than makes up for a dip in Canadian snowbirds.
And let’s be honest, the Canadians who truly want that sunshine come January will still pack up and go. Those with the means to rent a condo for a few months or haul their RV to a warm spot aren’t likely to stop just because of a little political noise or a high exchange rate. They might grumble a bit, but come winter, they’re heading south. Always have, probably always will.
In the end, while we might like to think keeping our tourism dollars at home is teaching someone a lesson, it’s likely not doing much more than making headlines. The U.S. economy is big enough to weather fewer Canadians buying beach towels and shrimp dinners. Meanwhile, many of us are finding just as much joy exploring what’s in our own backyard.
And maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW