Tourist attractions in Florida are experiencing fewer visitors this season.
Canadian tourism to Florida has seen a significant drop due to rising political tensions and new travel restrictions. Requests for travel quotes to Orlando’s theme parks have decreased by over 50%, with bookings declining steeply, particularly for the months of April and May. Economic factors, such as a weaker Canadian dollar and a slowing economy, have added to the apprehension. Despite the downturn, other visitors continue to support Orlando’s tourist economy, with hopes that new attractions will revitalize interest from Canadians in the near future.
Central Florida—known for its sunny skies and thrilling theme parks—is facing a major challenge as Canadian travelers seem to be steering clear of the Sunshine State. Rising political tensions and newly introduced U.S. travel regulations are causing Canadian tourists to think twice before booking their favorite trips to places like Orlando.
Sandra Pappas, who runs a travel agency focused on Disney experiences for Canadians, has noticed a sharp fall in interest. Since February, requests for travel quotes to Orlando’s iconic theme parks have dipped by over 50%. This isn’t just a small blip; it reflects a broader trend wherein Canadians are feeling apprehensive about heading south this year. Back in 2024, a whopping 3.3 million Canadians flocked to Florida, representing about 2% of all visitors. Fast forward to 2025, and those glowing numbers are dwindling fast.
Advance hotel bookings also tell a tale of caution. For April, bookings from Canadian visitors dropped by 9%, and for May, the decline was even steeper at 35.1%. Tourists seem to be opting for staycations or looking further afield, with many questioning what the trip may entail under current conditions.
The situation isn’t just about hesitant travelers; several factors intertwine to create a perfect storm. For one, the Canadian dollar has been weaker, making Florida seem more expensive. The slowing Canadian economy is also in the mix, but looming tariffs and annexation threats from high-ranking officials have certainly added a layer of unease. According to Visit Orlando’s CEO, the overall impact is significant.
Despite these challenges, Orlando’s tourist economy isn’t entirely tanking. Hotel tax collections reached record highs in February, showcasing that while Canadian visitors are less in number, tourists from other regions continue to flock to Central Florida. Many hope that the upcoming opening of Universal Studios’ Epic Universe park in May will help attract visitors from markets still eager to explore what Florida has to offer.
The shift isn’t just localized to Florida. Canadian tourism to the entire U.S. is feeling the heat, with March reporting a 13.5% decline in Canadians returning home from U.S. trips and a shocking 32% drop in trips made by car. It seems Canadians are feeling the pressure on all fronts, whether it’s about the new travel regulations or a sense of national pride that pushes them away from the U.S.
Interestingly, even Florida’s own Governor Ron DeSantis has tried to downplay the concerns surrounding the Canadian tourism boycott, sharing optimistic anecdotes of friendly interactions with Canadian families. Yet it seems these reassurances haven’t been enough to comfort many would-be travelers in the north.
Adding fuel to the fire, Canadian Immigration Lawyers are reporting a wave of concern regarding the potential repercussions of traveling to the U.S. under the current administration’s immigration policies. With updated travel advisories warning fellow Canadians to expect more scrutiny, including searches of electronic devices, the vibe around cross-border travel definitely feels sticky. A new rule, which mandates Canadian visitors who plan to stay more than 30 days to register with the government, has particularly unsettled snowbirds, those who typically spend the winter in sunny locales like Florida.
In response to these changing travel dynamics, airlines are adjusting their flight offerings. Air Canada is cutting back on its frequency of flights to Orlando and WestJet has gone as far as suspending routes altogether.
However, there is still a glimmer of hope. Porter Airlines continues its service to Orlando unchanged, and Flair Airlines is gearing up to reinstate its winter routes this fall.
Economists are cautiously optimistic, expressing that calm around the political atmosphere could spark a resurgence of Canadian travelers to Florida. Many Canadians hold fond memories of their time in the Sunshine State, and if tensions ease, they may just feel inspired to return.
Local businesses that have thrived on Canadian tourism are feeling the crunch and warn about the potential economic fallout. Historically, Canadian tourists have not just visited; they have contributed significantly to Florida’s economy, supporting numerous jobs and local enterprises.
As many Canadians take a step back from travel for now, the deep-rooted relationship between the two neighboring nations faces a moment of reflection. The overarching sentiments point towards a desire to clear the air and restore the neighborly vibes that have long characterized the shared border between Canada and the U.S.
Will things change soon? Only time will tell, but Floridians are rooting for a positive turn and for their Canadian friends to feel welcome and secure once more.
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