canadian cancellations hit maine hotels amid trade tensions
The operator of a seaside hotel in the picturesque corner of the state of Maine, long popular among residents of the East Coast during the summer season, admits that he feels the effects of the trade war between Canada and the United States.
Pierre Janelle, a representative of the third generation of the owners of The Edgewater hotel in Old Orchard Beach, says he is increasingly receiving cancellations from Canadians who are disheartened by the policy of U.S. President Donald Trump.
– Most people said that the uncertainty is stressful for them, which is why they prefer to cancel their reservation, although they might book again when the situation calms down – said Janelle on the program Information Morning Nova Scotia by CBC.
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Old Orchard Beach has been a popular vacation destination for residents of Quebec and the Maritime provinces of Canada for decades – it's just a day's drive away.
The resort town in York County, about 31 kilometres south of Portland, was even recently mentioned by outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as one of the places that Canadians might avoid this year due to trade tensions.
The effect of Trump’s absurd threats
Janelle estimates that Canadians account for an average of about 18 percent of his annual bookings.
He claims that Trump’s threats about tariffs against a longstanding trade partner and the outrage caused by his idea of making Canada 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 that it’s a matter of politics, not people. We maintain warm relations and I hear that during phone conversations – he says.
– People say: "We love to come there. We love the United States. But we are really disappointed with the government's actions." And they can separate the two.
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 less than in the same month a year ago.
The number of travelers entering the U.S. by car – the most common mode of transport – fell from 2,696,512 in February 2024 to 2,223,408 last month.
Meanwhile, Canadian tour operators hope that the trade dispute will positively affect the local industry. The Nova Scotia tourism board is currently preparing a new advertising campaign aimed at "encouraging and inspiring" domestic travel, based on the current sentiments supporting national vacations.
In the meantime, operators also hope that the weak Canadian dollar will encourage Americans to travel north.
Pierre Janelle is currently 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 cancelling their visits and respects their feelings. – We understand their frustration – he says – because it is unnatural for two good allies to suddenly become opponents.
