Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - One St. Catharines-based travel agent says the tariff war between the United States and Canada is a big reason why Canadians are choosing not to travel to their neighbor to the South.
Carolyn De Blieck of Pure Magic Vacations says about 10% of her business has decided to not travel to the U.S.
"I think a rally around supporting Canada, I think that has been a bigger deal in my business," said De Blieck in an interview with WBEN.
Closer to the border, she notes a lot of people are opting not to drive across the border either.
"Even just the weekend getaways for shopping is definitely on hold," De Blieck noted.
De Blieck specializes in trips to family vacation resorts in Florida and California, like Disney and Universal.
"Those are definitely some things that people will still opt to do just because it's the age that their kids can go and enjoy. So I still feel there is some, but definitely we've seen a slowdown for continuing to book for those because of the political scenario," De Blieck acknowledged.
De Blieck says the exchange rate is also a factor.
"I think that's something that Canadians have lived through before. We've definitely had higher exchange rates. I'm not overly concerned. I've kind of gone through a lot of weird times in the sales of travel, and I think this too, although it's what we're dealing with right now," she said.
Others who want to travel are pivoting their plans.
"For instance, a lot of people would be looking at all inclusive, so that they're supporting Canadian companies, or even pivot to go to Europe with when we look at cruises and stuff like that, just to try to avoid that travel into the US," De Blieck said.
U.S. tariffs against Canada took effect earlier this month.