The numbers show Canadians have been avoiding U.S. travel since last year. However, for many who are still visiting the U.S., the boycott is even worse in person. The loss of Canadians is felt at destinations such as Hawaii and Florida.
With the decrease in visits, some destinations are still reaching out to Canadians. However, other U.S. destinations have also halted marketing efforts. Big Sky, Montana, was one of the locations that pulled the plug on marketing to Canadians and is now letting time heal.
In Florida, a Fort Lauderdale hotel is taking a similar approach. The hotel has long been dominated by Canadians. However, the recent dips have been concerning. So much so that the hotel is now looking elsewhere for visitors.
Here’s a closer look at the hotel’s changing strategy as Canadians continue to stay away.
The Atlantic Hotel And Spa In Fort Lauderdale Has Shifted Its Efforts From Canadians To Brazilian Tourists
Fort Lauderdale has long been a beloved destination for Canadians. However, the trends have changed over the past year and into this year. Some hotels have seen a decrease in Canadian bookings of up to 32%. The common denominator among Canadians visiting less is the 51st state comments made by the U.S. President about Canada, along with the dollar exchange rate.
The Atlantic Hotel and Spa has been a staple for Canadians over the years. Amy Faulkner, the sales director at the Atlantic Hotel and Spa, tells Global News that Canadians have dominated occupancy at the hotel over the years.
“So we are a very Canadian hotel. Canadians love our hotel. We’re down about 4.9% in occupancy with Canadian business. So, we have definitely noticed a drop.”
The drop hasn’t been a short-term one either. Since January 2025, Canadians’ travel to Florida has decreased, including Canadian snowbirds who are now flying to other destinations, such as Mexico.
Given the changing trends, Faulkner told CBC News in a separate interview that the hotel is now trying to entice other travelers from elsewhere. Marketing efforts recently included campaigns in Brazil.
CBC News wrote, “The situation is so dire that Faulkner recently went to Brazil to drum up business to make up for the loss of the Canadian market. Trips to Argentina and Colombia to attract prospective clients may also be on the table.”
For Faulkner and the hotel, the move was essential in an effort to fill the missing gap left by Canadians.
“We are trying to desperately fill the gap, because that’s how much we need that business and miss that business,” she added.
Typical Canadian stays at the hotel were long, lasting between three and six months. Given the length of stays, the drop is being felt most acutely in the hotel’s bottom line.
The 100-hotel sits empty of Canadians. Faulkner added, “It breaks my heart.”
The Atlantic Hotel And Spa Has Deals For Visitors Who Plan On Staying Longer
Sebastian Street Beach, Fort Lauderdale, FloridaCredit: ID 36789189 © Serenethos | Dreamstime.com
With the decrease in Canadian visitors, the Atlantic Hotel & Spa does have enticing offers for other visitors.
On its website, the hotel states, “The Atlantic Hotel & Spa believes beachfront bliss is for everyone. That’s why we’ve put together some unbeatable special packages, each designed to offer discerning travelers savings, serenity and smart travel options in equal measure. Take a look at our special offers, choose the one that’s right for you, and let us help you make some magical South Florida memories.”
Offers range from 15% off to 25% off at the hotel.
In an effort to entice travelers to stay longer, the hotel is offering 20% off for bookings of 3 or more nights. The hotel is taking its discounts a step further for guests who stay 7 nights or more, offering up to 25% off. The hotel reminds visitors that the offer is for a limited time only.
Despite the enticing offer, it doesn’t seem as though the current trend will change. Not only are Canadians decreasing travel to Fort Lauderdale, but airlines across Canada are also adjusting capacity to meet market demand.
How Canadians And Major Airlines Are Reacting To The Decrease In Visits To Fort Lauderdale
Front view of an Air Transat plane at an airport with a cloudy sky in the backgroundCredit: via Shutterstock
The major Canadian airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat, have all adjusted capacity for travel to the United States during the first quarter of 2026.
Air Transat took its cuts to the next level, cancelling all of its flights to the U.S., including stops in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. The plan is to wind down on the destinations in the spring. The future of the Florida flight program will be evaluated later in the year. Instead, Air Transat has ramped up service to other destinations in the Caribbean and South America.
How Canadians Are Reacting To The Travel Dip In Florida:
-“If you go to Florida, don’t come back.”
-“There is no one on the street and no one on the beach and no one by the pool and the hotel owner says they are down 4.5% in their usage because of a drop in Canadian patronage. Looks like a lot more than 4.5% to me.”
-“Just don’t do it, stay home and spend money, or go to the Caribbean.”
-“Wow, imagine that! All these flights being cancelled over 4.5%! Incredible if you ask me…”
Given the reactions among Canadians in Florida, the decrease in visits from Canada may be even higher than the media is reporting, particularly at the Atlantic Hotel & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, which reports a 5% dip.
As it stands, there are no signs of Canadians increasing travel to the United States.