Quebecers are increasingly boycotting American products and canceling their travel plans to the United States, a move that has significant economic implications for both regions. According to a recent survey, Quebecers are spending twice as long at the grocery store to avoid American products and are now canceling their planned trips to the United States.

Geneviève Cantin, CEO of the Alliance of the Tourism Industry of Quebec, summarized the sentiment: “Half of Quebecers who intended to go to the United States in 2025 decided not to go.” This shift in travel plans is based on a survey conducted online from February 14 to 16, which included responses from 1,007 people. Two questions from Léger focused on travel this week.

Six in ten Quebecers did not intend to go to the United States in 2025, according to Léger. Among those who initially planned to travel, nearly half have decided to stay home. Of those who are canceling their trips, 49% say they will travel within Quebec, 46% plan to visit other parts of Canada, and 33% are considering international destinations.

“Mr. Trump’s decisions have a significant impact on the choice of Quebecers,” observes the new boss of the Alliance, an ex-tourism civil servant in Quebec.

Geneviève Cantin, CEO of the Alliance of the Tourism Industry of Quebec

On average, two million Quebecers per year visit the United States for holidays, spending approximately $3 billion annually. If Quebecers follow through on their intentions, they could divert $1.5 billion of that spending to local Quebec businesses. This shift in consumer behavior is a significant boon for the Quebec economy, which has seen a decline in tourism due to the pandemic.

“We are happy that people cancel,” Geneviève Cantin admitted, highlighting the economic benefits for the province.

Tourism is a critical sector for Quebec, ranking behind only aluminum, iron ore, and aeronautics in terms of export value. The sector brings in $4.1 billion in foreign currency annually, with $2.1 billion coming from the United States. When including spending by Ontarians in Quebec, the total annual cash inflow reaches $6.1 billion.

The tourism sector is leveraging this moment to encourage Quebecers to be welcoming to Americans, despite the political tensions. “Quebecers are welcoming,” reassures Cantin, who plans to capitalize on the exchange rate and Quebec’s hospitality to attract American tourists.

While the bulk of Quebecers’ trips to the United States are to Florida, Maine, and Vermont, the $1.5 billion question remains: where will the 500,000 Quebecers who decide to stay home spend their money? Cantin is optimistic about the economic benefits for local regions.

“It is really good for the vitality of the regions that Quebecers decide to stay in Quebec,” rejoices Geneviève Cantin.

Geneviève Cantin, CEO of the Alliance of the Tourism Industry of Quebec

Methodology

The survey was conducted by Omniweb with a sample of 1,007 respondents, randomly selected via the Léger web panel. The maximum margin of error for a probabilistic sample of 1,007 respondents is ±3.1%, 19 times out of 20.

Additional Insights and Implications

This boycott and shift in travel plans highlight the broader impact of political decisions on consumer behavior and tourism. Similar boycotts have occurred in the past, such as the 2017 boycotts of North Carolina over its “bathroom bill,” which led to significant economic losses for the state. In the context of Quebec and the United States, the implications are multifaceted.

For the United States, this shift could lead to a loss of tourist revenue, particularly in states like Florida, Maine, and Vermont, which are popular destinations for Canadian travelers. Conversely, Quebec stands to benefit economically from increased domestic tourism and spending within the province.

However, it is essential to consider the potential counterarguments. Some may argue that boycotts can lead to economic isolation and strain diplomatic relations. For instance, the 2017 boycott of North Carolina led to a backlash from some groups who felt it was an overreaction to a single piece of legislation.

Despite these concerns, the current situation in Quebec underscores the power of consumer choices in shaping economic outcomes. As political tensions continue to evolve, it will be crucial for both regions to navigate these challenges with diplomacy and mutual respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Quebecers boycotting American products and travel plans to the U.S.?

The boycott stems largely from political tensions between Quebec and the United States. A critically important number of Quebecers are choosing to avoid American goods and cancel travel plans to the U.S. due to recent political decisions, which have influenced consumer sentiment significantly.This movement is highlighted by Geneviève Cantin, CEO of the Alliance of the Tourism Industry of Quebec, who noted that half of Quebecers intending to visit the U.S. in 2025 have opted out of their plans[[[1]].

What impact does the boycott have on the quebec economy?

The boycott is poised to benefit the Quebec economy as it could redirect approximately $1.5 billion from U.S. spending to local businesses.Historically, about two million Quebecers travel to the U.S. annually, spending around $3 billion. This expenditure, redirected within Quebec, supports local businesses significantly. Tourism is a key sector in Quebec, now benefiting from increased domestic spending[[[1]].

How has the travel preference of Quebecers shifted?

Instead of traveling to the U.S., many Quebecers are exploring alternatives within Canada.According to a survey, 49% plan to travel within Quebec, 46% will visit other Canadian regions, and 33% are considering international destinations. This shift highlights a broader change in travel patterns due to changing political climates[[[1]].

what economic implications does this shift have for the United States?

The shift could lead to significant economic losses for U.S. states that heavily depend on Canadian tourists, such as Florida, Maine, and Vermont. Canadian tourists constituted significant tourism income for these states, and the decline in visits could result in reduced revenue.This mirrors previous tourism impacts seen during political boycott movements ([2]).

What are the long-term benefits for Quebec regions?

By encouraging Quebecers to spend their money locally, this boycott enhances the vitality of local economies and encourages tourism within the province. The initiative helps boost the tourism sector, which, apart from aluminum, iron ore, and aeronautics, is a massive contributor to Quebec’s economy. Governor Cantin also emphasizes the importance of hospitality towards American tourists, suggesting a potential future win-win situation if political relations improve[[

].