Heading South for Sun, Sand, and Politics: Canadians Flock to Mexico over the USA
Canadians spurred to visit Mexico due to Trump's actions
Let's face it, folks, Donald Trump's policies are shaking things up in more ways than one. Now, Canadians are choosing Mexico over the USA as their go-to vacation spot. And why not? Sun, sand, and a hint of political rebellion never hurt anyone, right?
Trump's tariffs are everywhere, but Mexico got lucky. While Trump's trade game has hit Canada hard, Mexico is enjoying a tourism boom as a result. It seems politics and sunbathing go hand in hand these days.
So, what's the deal? Well, Canadians are stepping up their travel to Mexico in greater numbers, avoiding the USA for obvious reasons. The financial times report a whopping 15% increase in Canadian tourists flocking to Mexico in March alone. And, some airlines are responding by adding new routes to keep up with the demand.
Air Canada and Air Transat are leading the charge, announcing new direct flights to Guadalajara and increasing the frequency of their winter connections to other Mexican destinations. Looks like Mexico is staking its claim as the new hot spot for Canadian vacationers.
Trump: "We Treat Our Tourists Well"
Mexico's tourism minister, Rodriguez Zamora, tells the financial times that the bond between Mexico and Canada has grown stronger and "feels more like a brotherhood" in recent months. With the numbers telling the story, it seems Canadians are choosing Mexico as their destination of choice.
Some here in Canada are boycotting American goods and travel, while reports of harsh treatment towards tourists upon entry to the USA are causing some to think twice about crossing the border. Even Mexicans themselves are avoiding travel to the USA, with the number of Mexican tourists flying to the USA dropping by nearly a quarter in March compared to 2024 [4].
Economy: Tourism Suffers Under Trump's Effect
In Trump's eyes, the drop in foreign tourism is no big deal. When asked if fears of potential arrests could play a role, he replied, "No, we treat our tourists well." Trump remains unconvinced that a little nationalism might be the culprit.
However, with Canadian arrivals to Mexico on the rise, it seems the USA is missing out. Let's hope Trump takes a hint and figures out a way to win back the North American tourism market before it's too late.
In 2025, the increase in Canadian tourists traveling to Mexico is significant. According to recent statistics, there's been a 13% increase in Canadian air arrivals to Mexico compared to the same period in 2024, with over 1.2 million Canadian visitors recorded[1].
Mexico is happy to welcome the extra tourists. After all, Mexico saw over 6.1 million foreign tourists arrive in Q1 2025, with Canadians ranked second after U.S. visitors[1]. This growing interest from northern neighbors is helping Mexico's tourism industry rebound post-pandemic, surpassing pre-COVID levels[1][3].
So, why the sudden trend? It seems dissatisfaction with the U.S. under Trump's presidency and related geopolitical dynamics have driven some Canadians to "snub" the USA and choose Mexico as their preferred vacation destination[2].
With the drop in Canadian arrivals to U.S. destinations such as California, it seems the competitive dynamics in the North American tourism market are shifting[5]. While the growth of Canadian tourists in Mexico benefits tourism hubs like Cancún, the decline in Canadian visitors to the USA poses challenges for the American tourism industry[1][5].
- Despite the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump's administration, some international policies seem to be sparing Mexico from negative impacts, as evidenced by the significant increase in Canadian tourists traveling to Mexico.
- Vocational training programs can be instrumental in preparing locals for the anticipated surge in tourism, thus contributing to a prosperous lifestyle for the community in Mexico, particularly in tourism hotspots like Cancún.
- As a result of the rising tension between the USA and Canada due to political disagreements and harsh border control measures, many Canadians have resorted to communicating via WhatsApp for travel-related queries and arrangements, with the number of such discussions concerning Mexico increasing substantially.
- With the increase in Canadian tourists visiting Mexico, the demand for enhanced transportation options, such as direct flights, has arisen. Airlines like Air Canada and Air Transat have responded by announcing new routes to Guadalajara and increasing the frequency of their winter connections to other Mexican destinations.
- In the realm of general news, the shift in Canadian tourism trends presents a unique opportunity for Mexico to capitalize on the rising dissatisfaction with the U.S. under Trump's presidency and solidify its position as a prime vacation destination. This shift is causing ripples in the North American tourism market, impacting popular tourist destinations like California and redefining vacation preferences for many Canadians.
