Canadians, don’t let Trump preserve you from visiting California.
That’s the message of a brand new tourism marketing campaign launched by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Go to California.
“At present we launched a brand new worldwide marketing campaign centered on encouraging Canadians to return go to the nice state of California,” Newsom says in a video posted to social media.
“The way of thinking in america of America has dramatically modified because it pertains to the strategy to Canada and we need to be certain we ship a message to our Canadian mates up north to return to a state the place two million Canadians visited final 12 months, to return go to a state the place there’s one thing for everyone.”
California is a well-liked vacation spot for Canadians, particularly British Columbians, with entry through highway, boats, planes and trains, however tourism to the U.S. from Canada has been down because the begin of President Donald Trump’s tariff warfare.
“Positive, you-know-who is making an attempt to stir issues up again in D.C., however don’t let that spoil your seaside plans,” Newsom mentioned.
“California is the last word playground — over 2,000 miles from Washington and a world away in mindset, from our iconic seashores and nationwide parks to world-class wine, meals, and out of doors journey — there’s one thing right here for everybody. Canada, come expertise our California Love.”
Based on the marketing campaign, tourism from Canada dropped 12 per cent in February in contrast with 2024.
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This was the primary lower in Canadian tourism to California because the COVID-19 pandemic.
Final 12 months, 1.8 million Canadians travelled to California, spending $3.72 billion within the Golden State, in accordance with the marketing campaign.
“California is dedicated to rolling out the purple carpet for our Canadian guests, everytime you’re prepared to go to,” Go to California president and CEO Caroline Beteta mentioned in an announcement.
“California and Canada share a lot in widespread. Our inclusive values, love of pure magnificence and fervour for innovation bind us, and we stay up for welcoming you again with the identical neighborhood spirit you’ve at all times proven us.”
Trip sizzling spot Palm Springs has already been making certain Canadians know they’re welcome.
Banners with the Maple Leaf in a coronary heart have been hung within the metropolis’s downtown strip and within the airport.
“The Maple Leaf belongs in Palm Springs,” Mayor Ron De Harte informed World Information.
“That is merely a technique to say to the Canadians who’re our mates and neighbours, and actually our neighborhood, as a result of they’re right here. Many are right here for 2, three, 4 months yearly, and they’re a part of our neighborhood.
“And this was a technique to say for these which can be right here nonetheless on the town and haven’t headed dwelling, thanks, we love you, and relaxation assured that subsequent 12 months, it doesn’t matter what’s occurring in Washington, D.C., we’re going to proceed to be the Palm Springs you fell in love with a long time in the past.”
Newsom met with B.C. Premier David Eby on Monday to debate alternatives to accomplice with the province round points involving the lumber business, nationwide transportation corridors, and alternatives to expedite main tasks and reasonably priced housing.
B.C.’s minister of housing and municipal affairs, Ravi Kahlon, informed World Information he appreciates Newsom’s message and acknowledgement of assist.
“However clearly it’s a response to what’s occurring from Canadians,” he mentioned. “Canadians usually are not travelling to the U.S. We’ve seen virtually 70 per cent decline in travellers going there and most of that’s instantly linked to tariffs.”
Kahlon mentioned he has additionally heard that individuals are frightened that one thing might occur to them within the U.S.
“They don’t need to find yourself in El Salvador,” he mentioned.
Regardless of Newsom’s plea and the advert marketing campaign, Kahlon had a message for British Columbians.
“Maintain the road,” he mentioned. “It’s working. There’s a cause why there’s an advert marketing campaign being run by the California state. There’s a cause why there’s adverts being run by U.S. states. It’s as a result of Canadians have responded with a transparent message: we’re not a 51st state, we’re not going to take this evenly, we consider all of the tariffs ought to come off and I’m pleased with Canadians, I’m pleased with British Columbians.”
© 2025 World Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.
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