Alright, so here we go with this article about how Canadians are ditching Vermont vacations because of Trump’s antics. First off, we had a pandemic, then a couple years of floods, and now Trump is stirring up trouble with his comments about making Canada the 51st state. Like, really? Anyway, his tariffs on Canadian stuff have got our neighbors up north all riled up, leading them to boycott US goods and avoid crossing the border. Traffic into Vermont has hit rock bottom, nearly matching the pandemic lows.
The impact on Vermont’s tourism scene is no joke. Canadians, especially those from Québec, are a big part of the state’s visitor numbers, pumping around $150 million into the economy. But now, with fewer Canadians showing up, businesses are feeling the pinch. Web traffic from Canada is down, and businesses are scrambling to find ways to lure back the lost visitors. The exchange rate ain’t helping either, making travel to the US more expensive for Canadians.
Businesses in Vermont are trying to find their footing in this mess. Some are offering deals to attract Canadians, while others are shifting focus to local markets. State leaders are trying to distance Vermont from the national drama, promoting the close ties between neighbors. But it’s a tricky situation, with businesses trying not to come off as insensitive to their Canadian customers’ anger at Trump. The Wildflower Inn, Restaurant & Pub in Lyndonville is feeling the heat, with cancellations rolling in and Canadian guests feeling unsure about the warm welcome they’ll get.
The brewing industry in Vermont is also taking a hit. Breweries like Hill Farmstead are seeing a drop in Canadian customers, with online purchases down and emails coming in from disappointed regulars. And let’s not forget the retaliatory tariffs from Canada, slapping a 25 percent surcharge on beers brought back. It’s a mess, really. Businesses are trying to navigate this rough patch, hoping to weather the storm and rebuild the relationships that have taken a hit. Overall, Vermont’s tourism scene is in for a bumpy ride as Canadians steer clear of the state.
So, there you have it, folks. Vermont businesses are feeling the burn as Canadians opt out of their usual trips south. It’s a tough time for the tourism industry, with businesses scrambling to find ways to entice back the missing visitors. Let’s see how things play out in the upcoming months.
