Canadians boycott surprising state amid rising anger over Trump's vow to annex their nation
Furious Canadians have refused to visit California after Trump's threats to turn the country into the 51st state - potentially costing the Golden State billions in lost tourism revenue.
The tourism nonprofit 'Visit California' has slashed its spending forecast by a staggering $6 billion as international travelers increasingly boycott the US amid growing tensions with its northern neighbor.
Canadian tourists, who pumped $3.7 billion into California's economy last year, are now canceling trips in droves - with many vowing never to cross the border until Trump is out of office, as reported by the Mercury News.
'Never again, until Trump's gone,' said Carol Harris, a retired university professor from Nova Scotia who has visited family in San Diego annually for years.
'I will miss the desert,' she told the outlet. 'I love the topography of California. I like the politics of California.'
But 'still, as an 'adamantly progressive' person, she insisted boycotting the US is 'just something we have to do' - even though a majority of Californians dislike President Trump.
The dramatic drop in Canadian visitors comes after Trump repeatedly suggested America's closest ally should become the 51st US state.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly doubled down, stating that 'The United States is a great destination for international travelers, and Canadians will be unburdened by the inconveniences of international travel when they become American citizens as residents of our cherished 51st state.'
Furious Canadians have refused to visit California after Trump's threats to annex their country - potentially costing the Golden State billions in lost tourism revenue
The dramatic drop in Canadian visitors comes after Trump repeatedly suggested America's closest ally should become the 51st US state
As a result, California saw an alarming 8.8 percent plunge in international arrivals in February alone.
This could potentially threaten the livelihoods of three million Californians who work in tourism-related industries.
Flight Centre, a leading Canadian travel agency, reported a staggering 20 percent cancellation rate on trips to the US over just three months.
'Canadians are choosing to spend their tourism dollars with more intention than ever,' Amra Durakovic, head of communications for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, told the outlet.
Even longtime 'snowbirds' - retired Canadians who escape harsh winters by staying in California - are now selling their properties and looking elsewhere.
Nancy, who requested her last name be withheld for fear of targeting by the Trump administration, is among those selling her Rancho Mirage condo.
'You get together with other Canadians, within the first two minutes that's what everyone's talking about,' she told the outlet.
'The instability is not what you want to deal with when you're retired.'
The tourism nonprofit 'Visit California' has slashed its spending forecast by a staggering $6 billion as international travelers increasingly boycott the US amid growing tensions with its northern neighbor
Restaurant owners may be hit hardest, as tourists spent a massive $34.8 billion at California eateries in 2023, even more than the $32.8 billion they spent on hotels.
'Visitors consistently spend the most on food service so restaurants will bear the brunt of any drop in tourism, especially in major metropolitan destinations like San Francisco and Los Angeles when compared to those in the suburbs,' said Jot Condie, chief executive of the California Restaurant Association.
