A new Quebec tourism ad has Americans emotional as it welcomes them to the city.
The ad comes at a time when political turmoil has affected the once-booming tourism industry between the two countries amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and immigration laws.
Since Trump entered office earlier this year, Canadian visitation to the U.S. in May fell by 38% by car and 24% by air year-on-year. This contributes to the estimated US$25 billion to US$29 billion the U.S. is set to lose this year in tourism.
On the flip side, the number of U.S. residents entering Canada in April also dropped by 5.5% by car and a 10.7% decline by air.
In May 32% of businesses surveyed by the Tourism Industry Association of Onatrio reported lower bookings by Americans compared to the same time last year.
With the majority of Canada’s tourists coming from the U.S. and U.S. tourists spending US$15.3 billion in the country last year, it's easy to see why Canada is eager to lure them back.
The new ad has caused a surge in website traffic from the U.S. to Quebec tourism pages, according to the Tourism Marketing Association of Canada.
The ‘Come hug it out in Eastern Townships’ ad has been received warmly by many Americans who did not expect the welcoming tone of the ad, which ends with the hotel receptionist hugging the American tourist after he reveals he’s from the U.S.
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