The global economy is facing a complex set of variables, from geopolitical conflicts and China’s slowdown to climate change. In this context, US President Donald Trump has launched a series of tariffs that have the potential to upset the decades-old order of international trade.
Among the policies that Mr. Trump announced in his first month in office was a plan to impose “reciprocal” tariffs on trading partners that tax American goods. This move by Mr. Trump is an expansion of the trade war 2.0 that he launched in his second term. Not only does it make production and business activities of enterprises in the US and other countries more precarious, this war - especially reciprocal tariffs - also poses many challenges to the world economy and especially to the "smokeless industry".
The strong US dollar, Canadians boycotting the US and moving to Europe have helped the continent's tourism.
According to a survey by Flight Centre, an Australia-based travel services company, a growing number of Canadians have canceled previously planned vacations in the US and are rebooking trips to European countries instead.
One of our long-time customers canceled a trip to Arizona, USA and took his family to Portugal for a vacation," said a company representative.
Canadian Customs says the number of passengers arriving at airports in the US has dropped. Many airlines have also cut flights to the US. Air Canada will reduce flights to Florida, Las Vegas and Arizona starting in early March.
Following US President Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs on many countries and economic instability around the world, Canadians are gradually boycotting US tourism and choosing Europe as an alternative destination.
The rising value of the dollar has not only made American goods and services more expensive for Canadians, but has also reduced the appeal of traditional tourist destinations like Florida and California. Instead, Europe, with its weaker euro, has become a more attractive option in terms of cost.
This change in travel trends has brought significant benefits to the European tourism industry. Countries such as France, Italy, Spain... have witnessed a significant increase in the number of tourists from Canada.
While Canadians are turning their backs on US tourism, across the Atlantic, Americans are eagerly planning their dream trips to Europe. The rising value of the US dollar not only helps American tourists spend more freely, but also gives them the opportunity to experience luxury services at more affordable prices.
Canadian Customs says the number of passengers arriving at airports in the US has dropped. Many airlines have also cut flights to the US.
According to economic experts, the USD will continue to "escalate" compared to other currencies in the world. In addition, threats of tariff policies of the US government against many countries also cause strong currencies in the world, such as the euro, to be forecast to weaken.
The combination of these two factors will create a "paradise" for Americans in Europe. American tourists will not only enjoy longer trips and more luxurious services, but also have the opportunity to explore new destinations and experience unique cultures at lower costs than before. The rise of the USD has created a "landing" of American tourists to Europe, bringing benefits not only to the European tourism industry but also to American tourists themselves. In the future, as the USD continues to "storm" the currency market, this trend is expected to continue to grow stronger.
Americans are also planning to move to Europe to travel thanks to the advantage of the rising USD.
Craig Sauers, an American who has lived in Tbilisi, Georgia since 2016, has no plans to return to his home country anytime soon because of inflation, which is making prices in the U.S. more expensive. However, he does plan to fly home to visit his family occasionally.
Jared Batzel, who served in the US military and lives in Madrid, Spain, said many of his colleagues came to the US to find work but then moved to Europe or returned home to start businesses.
Americans living in Europe say they will stay, rather than return home to high living costs.
Canada, which has been the top market for tourists to the US for many years, has now "turned its back" on Hawaii. The main reason is due to trade tensions and the US government's tariff policies, making Canadians feel uncomfortable and deciding to turn to other destinations.
Losing a large number of Canadians, who have been the top source of visitors to the US for years, has caused many tourist-dependent destinations like Hawaii to worry. Many local businesses, from hotels to restaurants to souvenir shops, have seen their revenues drop significantly. Hawaiians, who rely heavily on tourism, are extremely worried about the current situation. They hope that international visitors will soon stop canceling their trips to the islands and that Hawaii tourism will quickly recover.
Canadian airline WestJet has not been spared either. Demand for its Hawaiian tours has dropped by an alarming 25% in just one month. However, whether Hawaiian tourism will actually improve as locals hope remains an open question. Only time will tell.
