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As the impacts of a trade war become increasingly evident, a significant number of Canadians are reconsidering their travel plans to the United States, prompting adjustments among airlines and airports.
Diefenbaker airport traveler Ted Zurakowski expressed that this decision was straightforward for him. “Two trips planned, neither of them going to the States,” he remarked, showing how the current situation has changed his travel considerations.
Another traveler, Larisa Kalist, confirmed similar sentiments, saying, “[The trade war] is definitely making me think twice about going down to the States.”
In contrast, some travelers maintain their U.S. travel plans for specific reasons. Alvin Peters, also at Diefenbaker airport, is heading to Phoenix not for leisure, but to sell his property. He mentioned, “Because of the lunatic down south,” referring to the unpredictability of the U.S. political climate. He views the current market conditions and the depreciation of the Canadian dollar as beneficial for selling his house.
Shifting Travel Patterns
Recent surveys illustrate how Canadians are modifying their travel behaviors amidst the economic shifts. Jamie Milton, the president of Uniglobe Carefree Travel, observed a notable drop in travel to the U.S. beginning in January, right after trade tariffs were introduced. “I started seeing Canadians instantly looking to book away from the U.S. for new trips. And then, as things escalated, we started to see people more hesitant to travel to the U.S. on trips they currently had booked,” she noted.
A survey by EQ Bank revealed that 62% of Canadians plan to focus more on domestic travel due to the weaker Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. Veronica Chung, a senior account coordinator for EQ Bank, emphasized this finding, which indicates a significant shift in travel preferences.
Milton further explained that a softened Canadian dollar is prompting clients to favor local destinations, as they are more cost-effective. This change is reflected in the operations of airlines, with some cutting back on routes or reducing flight frequencies, such as changing from daily to three or four flights a week.
Interestingly, not all airports are experiencing a decline in demand for U.S. travel. James Bogusz, president and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, reported an increase in demand for flights to America. He remarked, “We’re watching very closely because we’re hearing about softening demand. It just hasn’t yet materialized in our local numbers.”
A spokesperson from Saskatoon’s Diefenbaker airport also indicated that travelers have expressed concerns about policy changes and foreign exchange rates, which may accelerate the trend toward domestic travel. The spokesperson noted that the escalation in trade tensions is likely to influence travel dynamics between Canada and the U.S.
Source
globalnews.ca