Maine's tourism industry, particularly in Old Orchard Beach and Houlton, is experiencing a significant drop in Canadian visitors and revenue (estimated 50% drop for some businesses, 30-40% of average revenue for the town's seasonal industry) due to U.S.-Canada political tensions, tariffs, and President Donald Trump's "51st state" rhetoric, compounded by rainy weather and economic concerns. Statistics Canada reports five straight months of declining Canadian travel to the U.S. Maine Governor Janet Mills visited Maritime provinces to smooth relations, but New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt indicates Canadians are hesitant to spend money in the U.S. until things change.
‘Worst year we’ve had’: Maine tourism industry worried about U.S.-Canada political tension
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AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Maine's tourism industry, particularly in Old Orchard Beach and Houlton, is experiencing a significant drop in Canadian visitors and revenue (estimated 50% drop for some businesses, 30-40% of average revenue for the town's seasonal industry) due to U.S.-Canada political tensions, tariffs, and President Donald Trump's "51st state" rhetoric, compounded by rainy weather and economic concerns. Statistics Canada reports five straight months of declining Canadian travel to the U.S. Maine Governor Janet Mills visited Maritime provinces to smooth relations, but New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt indicates Canadians are hesitant to spend money in the U.S. until things change.
Trending- 1 May 2025: 1.3 million Canadians made return trip by car from U.S. (38.1% drop vs. May 2024).
- 2 April 2025: 1.2 million Canadian return trips (35.2% drop vs. April 2024).
- 3 June 24, 2025: New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt comments on Canadian hesitation to travel to U.S.
- 4 Last week (prior to July 4, 2025): Maine Gov. Janet Mills travels to Maritime provinces to smooth relations.
- Significant revenue drop for Maine tourism businesses
- Strained cross-border relationships
- Reduced Canadian travel to the U.S.
What: Decline in Canadian tourism to Maine and its economic impact on local businesses.
When: Ongoing, with recent declines in May (38.1% drop in car trips vs. May 2024) and April (35.2% drop vs. April 2024), and Gov. Mills' visit last week.
Where: Maine (Old Orchard Beach, Houlton), New Brunswick, United States, Canada.
Why: U.S.-Canada political tensions, tariffs, President Donald Trump's "51st state" rhetoric, rainy weather, economic concerns.
How: Fewer Canadian tourists crossing the border by car and air, leading to reduced business for tourism-dependent establishments.