Local travel agents share how clients are reacting to US travel – PortageOnline.com

The recent threats made by US President Donald Trump are having real consequences on the travel plans of Canadians.

Travel agents are reporting that, in the wake of threats to annex Canada, or to place tariffs on Canadian exports, many Canadians are simply opting to avoid the US at large.

Michael Hoekstra, an independent consultant with Travel Only, notes what he has observed so far.

“I haven’t seen people actually cancel yet, but I have definitely seen an up-tick in the conversations that I have where people are saying, ‘I don’t want to go to the States, I don’t want to go over the border.’ I’m definitely having no one ask me about Vegas, Disney. Especially with March break coming up, I find that kind of odd.”

Hoekstra adds that he feels, for many Canadians, it’s about being disrespected by the American leader.

“‘Oh, we’re just going to make you the 51st state.’ People don’t take kindly to that, even us Canadians. We tend to be pretty friendly, but we don’t like being threatened.”

Carey Duncan, the Owner of Travel Quest, shares what she has been hearing from clients in recent weeks.

“We have been seeing an increase in clients who are expressing concern about traveling to the US, and it is for a number of reasons. For some, it’s definitely the political landscape that we’re seeing emerge lately. But for others, it’s also that less favorable exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar that’s also contributing.”

She says there are plenty of other options, both within Canada and internationally, that people are changing their plans to.

“We are seeing people maybe shifting to visiting more here at home, traveling within our own country. It’s a a very diverse country. We have lots of amazing places to visit from coast to coast. So, for us, we’re promoting a number of different Canadian destinations,” Duncan continues. “It’s a really good time to maybe take stock and consider that trip to Churchill; go and see the polar bears or the whales or maybe travel to the Maritimes. Hop on a train to the Rockies. Those are all things that you know you can easily pivot. Especially, as we’re gearing up towards Summer, people will maybe shift their focus to those kinds of destinations. And Europe has been very, very strong as well. So, certainly seeing a lot of people that are looking to explore in Europe and elsewhere.”

Duncan also emphasizes that there are many Canadian-based businesses that work on trips around the world, and encourages those looking for trips to go to those businesses first.