California launches new tourism program
Share this @internewscast.com


() The World Travel and Tourism Council has projected a $12 billion drop in visitor travel spending in the U.S. compared to last year.

To combat that, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state tourism officials are looking to bring Canadian tourists to California with a new tourism campaign called “California loves Canada.” The state has seen about a 20% drop in Canadian visitors so far this year in what Newsom calls a “Trump slump,” pointing to faltering relations between the U.S. and Canada.

According to the governor’s office, in 2024, California welcomed nearly 2 million Canadian visitors, who spent an estimated $3.72 billion, helping to fuel its economy. In a partnership between the state and Expedia, the new tourism campaign includes a “Canada Value Program” with major discounts on various attractions and hotels.

Some Canadians pointed to high costs as a factor in staying away from the U.S., but even with the deals, they say they will continue to boycott due to political tensions and crime.

“A lot of the nice states to go to, I would just avoid, like California looks like it’s even worse with the homeless encampments than Ontario, that just looks dangerous,” Toronto-area resident John told . “Florida is being run by a bunch of nutcases. And New York looks like it’s in worse shape than Toronto when it comes to all the homeless encampments, I mean, like Philadelphia looks awful, Pittsburgh doesn’t look good. I mean, where would we go?”

The hit to tourism is not limited to California. In April, the number of Canadians making return road trips from all checkpoints along the northern U.S. border was down by more than 35% compared to last year. Those returning from the U.S. by plane saw a drop of nearly 20%.

Despite family ties and the long, friendly history between the U.S. and Canada, the outlook is not looking better, with future flight bookings by Canadians to all U.S. destinations down a third.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Stay Warm This Winter: How the Salvation Army is Ready to Shelter You from the Cold

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – As temperatures begin to dip in the…

Illinois Launches State-Based Insurance Marketplace ‘Get Covered Illinois

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Residents of Illinois who rely on Affordable Care Act…

Tragic Two-Vehicle Collision Claims Life of Woman in Maroa, Illinois

MAROA, Ill. (WCIA) — A tragic two-vehicle collision in Maroa claimed the…

Colleagues Honor Cherished CSRA Radio Host’s Legacy

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Central Savannah River Area is in mourning following…

Winsome Earle-Sears Engages with Marion’s Small Business Community During Virginia Governor Race

MARION, Va. (WJHL) — On Thursday afternoon, Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate…

Sarasota Parents Voice Concerns Following Temporary Removal of Basketball Hoop Due to Threat

In Sarasota, Florida, residents are relieved as a basketball hoop at a…

Understanding the K-Shaped Recovery: How America’s Economy is Dividing and What It Means for You

The current state of the U.S. economy reveals a stark divide: prosperity…

Tampa Bay Waterkeeper Takes Action to Safeguard Local Watersheds

Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) — As Florida’s largest open water estuary, Tampa Bay…

St. Joseph-Ogden Soccer Team Aims to Continue Winning Streak After Remarkable Season

ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) – The St. Joseph-Ogden boys’ soccer team showcased…

Central Illinois Initiative Highlights Vital Bus Safety: Protecting Our Most Precious Passengers

TUSCOLA, Ill. (WCIA) — Every day, millions of students nationwide rely on…

Grateful to Be Safe: Man Recounts Harrowing Experience with Armed Bank Robber

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — After a daring armed robbery at the Bank…

California Girl’s Mysterious Disappearance: Mother Returns from Out-of-State Trip Without Daughter, Sparks Investigation

The disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard has captured the attention of authorities…