Arizona to see potential decline in Canadian visitors this winter

Canadian visitor numbers to Arizona in 2025 are expected to decline due to factors like the weak Canadian dollar, increased travel costs, and, most notably, a new U.S. policy requiring registration for stays over 30 days. Also, a factor is political tensions between the U.S. and Canada. There could be a decline of 20-30% in visitors. Canadian snowbirds spend approximately $1.5 billion in Arizona each year, excluding those with second homes in the state. What does this mean for the state’s economy?

Glenn Williamson, Founder & CEO, Canada Arizona Business Council, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss how this might affect Arizona tourism revenue.

“We’re hearing border crossings are down…all the different types of regulations,” Williamson said, “… Canadians are feeling very concerned about invasive types of operations at the border.”

Williamson implied that many Canadians are hesitant to travel to the United States because of the comments that Canada should become the “51st state.” As a byproduct of that, there has been a decrease in Americans traveling to Canada.

“Americans have decided they are not going to go to Canada, and the Canadian industries are starting to feel this,” Williamson explained. “So we’re starting to see regional tourism happening on both sides of the border, below the federal issues.”

Williamson also emphasized how difficult it has been for Canadians to travel to certain states. Many find it difficult to fly to the farther states, but Arizona is still seen as a “safe haven” for those who are looking to travel.

“Arizona is still one of those safe havens. They feel comfortable down here, snowbirds feel great down here,” Williamson said, “…and there’s no reason for them to sell their houses down here, because the capital gains in Canada would kill them.”