Travel associations on both sides of the border have banded together to tackle unprecedented challenges facing the industry in 2025 — starting with the ongoing tariff war between the U.S. and Canada. The newly formed Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition (BBTC) brings together the United States Tour Operators Association and the Canadian Association of Tour Operators as well as the Adventure Travel Trade Association, American Bus Association, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, International Inbound Travel Association, National Tour Association and Student & Youth Travel Association. “The travel industry’s interconnected nature demands unified voice and action to tackle shared challenges arising from Read more
U.S.A.
The Golden State is showing Canada some love. At a time when many Canadians have soured on trips to the U.S. because of ongoing political disputes and President Donald Trump’s tariffs and 51st state comments, Visit California has launched a new campaign ” to show Canadians that they are missed, they are deeply valued, and they are always welcome in California.” “California would not be the same without Canadians,” Visit California officials said. ” In 2024, California welcomed 1.8 million Canadian visitors, making it the state’s second-largest global tourism market.” California Governor Gavin Newsom has a fun, cheeky video on Read more
Whether you’re a visitor or a U.S. resident, it’s always good to maximize your US vacation with value-stretching travel tips. Here are some great suggestions from Brand USA. Even with exchange rates that makes things tough for Canadians, Aussies and other visitors, traveling to the United States doesn’t have to break the bank. Dozens of destinations and experiences across the country are both affordable (or even free!) and, of course, unforgettable. “Unforgettable experiences don’t have to come with a high price tag,” says Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA. “Whether it’s a breathtaking road trip along scenic coastlines, Read more
New travel numbers suggest Canadians made fewer return trips from the United States last month compared to the same time last year, with a sharp decline in trips by car and by plane. Statistics Canada says the number of Canadians returning from the U.S. by car last month was down almost 32% compared to March 2024. That’s a significant increase from February, when car trips from Canada to the States were down 23%. It’s also the third straight month of decline for Canadian car trips to the US. Stats Can says return trips by air from the U.S. were down Read more
Maybe I’m a little sensitive about my home country these days. Many Canadians are, given the “51st state” talk and other nonsense about Canada coming from a certain U.S. president. But I was scanning some travel websites today, as Canada’s Travel Guy is wont to do, and noticed what I thought would be a nice list from Travel + Leisure, a publication I’ve come to respect over the years. This was a list published in January of this year that lists the world’s 25 most beautiful cities. I looked at the top of the list and nodded my head in Read more
