Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has responded to Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s boycott of Florida, emphasizing the state’s thriving tourism industry. Ford, who announced he would skip his usual winter trip to Florida due to U.S. tariffs affecting Ontario’s economy, stated his decision is personal and he would not discourage others from traveling to the Sunshine State.
DeSantis Defends Florida’s Tourism Growth
DeSantis pointed out that Florida continues to break tourism records and has enjoyed recent success in the NHL, contrasting it with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who last won the Stanley Cup in 1967. He shared statistics showing a significant number of Canadians flocking to Florida, with 3.4 million visits recorded in 2024—making Canadians the largest group of international tourists.
Impact of Canadian Visitors
- 2024 Canadian visitors: 3.4 million
- Average quarterly visitors from Canada: 851,250
- Second quarter of 2025: 640,000 Canadian visitors, 1.9% of total visitors
- Domestic visitors (2025): 31.5 million Americans
- Overseas visitors increased by 11.4% to 2.3 million
While tourism overall has risen, the decline in Canadian visitors could adversely affect businesses in the U.S., particularly those near the border. This sentiment is echoed in a report by the U.S. Congress’s Joint Economic Committee, which highlighted the negative impact of President Trump’s tariff policies.
Ford’s Comments on Tourism
During his announcement, Ford encouraged Canadians to support local tourism but did not promote a full boycott of Florida. He acknowledged the long-standing traditions that many families have with their trips to Florida. Ford stated, “Maybe some families have gone to Florida their whole lives, go to Florida. That’s great.”
Trends in Air Travel
Statistics from October indicate a continued decline in Canadian air travel to the U.S., marking the ninth straight month of decrease. Despite a 4.5% rise in overall Canadian air traffic, trips to the U.S. dropped by 8.9%, underscoring the importance of the Canadian market for U.S. tourism.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, international tourism spending in the U.S. is expected to fall by 3.2% this year, with Canadian boycotts being a significant factor contributing to a projected loss of $5.7 billion.
As tensions continue over economic policies, the situation reflects broader implications for tourism and cross-border relations.
