Maine tourism faces fewer Canadian visitors amid trade tensions
The Story
A report on summer tourism in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, indicates that Canadian bookings have declined since President Donald Trump took office, with trade war rhetoric and high fuel prices affecting travel. Innkeepers and campground managers report mixed impacts, with some properties seeing strong U.S. bookings while others face slower reservations.
Key Facts
- Canadian bookings at some properties dropped to 13% from 20% since President Trump took office, according to innkeeper Pierre Janelle.
- The decline is attributed to a trade war and Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the 51st state.
- High fuel prices are cited as a concern for all travelers, but may also encourage driving vacations as jet fuel and airline costs rise.
- Town manager Diana Asanza described the beach town as iconic and welcoming summer visitors.
- Hotel Kebek 3 was 88% full and Edgewater 97% full on a Saturday in late May, per Janelle and front desk agent Caley Mackenzie.
- Mandi Cote, manager of Old Orchard Beach campground, said reservations are trending up compared to the same time last year, and the campground is adding 100 sites next year.
- At a trade show in Montreal, Canadians told Cote they would not return until Trump is out of office.
- Becky Jacobson, executive director of HospitalityMaine, noted uncertainty from the economy, gas prices, and food prices, with smaller properties hit harder by slow bookings.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
- The total number of Canadian tourists affected across the entire region.
- Whether the decline in Canadian visitors will be fully offset by U.S. tourists or other markets.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Diana Asanza – Town manager of Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
- Pierre Janelle – Innkeeper of hotels Kebek 3 and Edgewater.
- Caley Mackenzie – Front desk agent at Edgewater.
- Mandi Cote – Manager of Old Orchard Beach campground.
- Becky Jacobson – Executive director of HospitalityMaine.
Sources: NPR
