Canadian tensions hit Maine hotels: Bookings in decline
The operator of a seaside hotel in the picturesque corner of Maine, long popular with East Coast residents during the summer, admits to feeling the effects of the trade war between Canada and the United States.
Pierre Janelle, part of the third generation of owners of The Edgewater Hotel in Old Orchard Beach, mentions he is increasingly receiving cancellations from Canadians disheartened by the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.
– Most people that spoke said that they just felt the uncertainty made them nervous and so they were going to cancel, but they may rebook later if things settle down – Janelle stated on CBC’s Information Morning Nova Scotia program.
Old Orchard Beach has been a popular vacation destination for residents of Quebec and Canada's maritime provinces for decades since it’s just a day’s drive away.
This resort town in York County, about 19 miles south of Portland, was even mentioned recently by outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as one of the places Canadians might avoid this year due to trade tensions.
The effect of Trump’s absurd threats
Janelle estimates that Canadians make up about 18 percent of his annual bookings on average.
He claims that Trump’s talk of tariffs against a longstanding trade partner and the controversy from suggesting Canada could become the "51st state" have directly influenced consumer decisions in the tourism sector.
However, Janelle emphasizes that the tourists he speaks to do not blame his family business for the actions of the White House.
– I think citizens on both sides of the border understand this is politics and they understand that it has nothing to do with the citizens. I think there's a warm relationship and I hear it on the phone – he says.
– People say, 'We love coming there. We love coming to the United States. However, we're really upset with what the government is doing.' And so they're able to differentiate.
Fewer Canadians crossing the border
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, in February, the number of people crossing the land border from Canada to the U.S. was nearly 500,000 fewer than in the same month a year ago.
The number of travelers entering the U.S. by car – the most common mode of transport – dropped from 2,696,512 in February 2024 to 2,223,408 last month.
Meanwhile, Canadian tour operators hope the trade dispute will positively affect the local industry. Nova Scotia's tourism board is currently preparing a new advertising campaign aimed at "encouraging and inspiring" domestic travel, tapping into the current sentiments supporting national vacations.
In the meantime, operators also hope the weak Canadian dollar will encourage Americans to travel north.
Pierre Janelle is not changing his strategy for promoting his hotel because the uncertainty related to the trade conflict makes planning difficult. He assures Canadian tourists that his establishment will be waiting for them when the situation calms down. He emphasizes that he understands the decisions of those canceling their visits and respects their feelings. – We understand their frustration and the pain that they feel. To have two good allies all of a sudden being adversarial, it just doesn't seem right, – he says.
