During the Stanley Cup final, many Edmonton Oilers fans are traveling to Florida to cheer on their team, with some stating that this is the sole reason for their visit to the United States. The excitement surrounding Connor McDavid and the Oilers has inspired these fans to make the trip, despite a noticeable overall decline in Canadian tourism to Florida.
Historically, Florida has been a favored escape for Canadians looking to flee the winter chill, thanks to its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and an abundance of recreational activities. However, recent political tensions have led to a significant drop in the number of Canadians visiting the Sunshine State. Stacey Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, a marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale, has confirmed that Canadian tourism has decreased by approximately 20 percent. Canada has traditionally been Florida’s largest visitor market, making this decline particularly troubling.
Ritter noted that the decline in Canadian tourists began in February, shortly after Donald Trump assumed the presidency and made contentious remarks about the prospect of Canada becoming the 51st state, alongside the introduction of tariffs. This is notably concerning since February is still peak travel season for the area. She attributed some of the decline to travel bans and visa complications, describing the situation as “pretty significant.”
Despite these challenges, Ritter welcomed the presence of Oilers fans in Florida for the second consecutive summer, viewing it as a substantial economic boost. Acknowledging the sentiments of Canadians regarding the political climate, she expressed eagerness for the return of Canadian tourists, assuring them that they would find the same welcoming atmosphere that they experienced in previous years. She emphasized that the locals remain unchanged and are ready to embrace visitors when they decide to return.
Beyond tourism officials, local business owners are also expressing concerns about the drop in Canadian visitors. Richard Clavet, the owner of a motel complex in Hollywood, Florida, which caters primarily to Canadian snowbirds, reported a notable decrease in his bookings since mid-March. Clavet, originally from Quebec, noted that several of his regular customers have explicitly canceled their reservations due to the current political climate in the U.S., opting instead to vacation in places like Cuba.
Clavet shared that the intense political rhetoric emanating from the U.S. administration has contributed to a sense of unease among potential travelers, although he personally does not share his customers' views. Despite this, some Oilers fans seem willing to set aside their political concerns in favor of supporting their team in the playoffs. The dynamic illustrates the complex relationship between tourism, politics, and personal motivations amidst changing sentiments in international travel.
