Increasing numbers of Canadian travelers are now favoring Disneyland Paris over the traditional American Disney theme parks. This trend has been noted by travel agents who specialize in Disney vacations and other travel experiences. The shift is largely attributed to the controversial actions taken by U.S. President Donald Trump, prompting many Canadians to reconsider their travel destinations.

Christine Fiorelli, the owner of Fairytale Dreams & Destinations, a travel agency based in Canada, highlighted this shift in an interview with The Independent. She noted a significant 30 percent increase in bookings for Disneyland Paris and other international destinations. Fiorelli explained that while many still cherish the enchanting Disney experience, they are choosing to steer clear of U.S.-based parks for the time being. “It still holds a place in their heart, but not now,” she remarked.

Several factors contribute to this reluctance, including Trump’s proposals such as acquiring Greenland, various trade disputes, and suggested social media checks. These issues have evidently deterred some tourists, as evidenced by a 22 percent reduction in Canadians visiting the United States over the past year compared to the previous year, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). Furthermore, there has been a 5.4 percent decline in foreign visitors to the U.S. since November 25.

Walt Disney boss Hugh Johnston reportedly said on a recent earnings report that the company was shifting its marketing and sales focus to domestic guests and had less visibility into international earnings. A new survey, by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) analysed the answers of 4,500 respondents from many different countries involved with the ESTA programme. It found a third of tourists admit they are less likely to go to America if the social media proposals are introduced, Sky News reports.

Proposals announced by US Customs and Border Protection in December, via a ‘mandatory’ notice published in the Federal Register , could mean overseas visitors would be required to make their social media activity over the last five years open to scrutiny. The plans mean any hint of anti-American sentiment posted online could land tourists hoping to visit the country in hot water with border officials.

If overseas visitors do fall in such a way, the WTTC estimates tourism spending could be cut by $15bn (£10.8bn). It could also hit a whopping 157,000 jobs. Some 66 per cent of respondents shared they were aware of the possible new regulations.