Florida Motels Feel Canadian Snowbird Exodus

Florida Motels Struggle as Canadian Snowbirds Stay Away Due to U.S.-Canada Tensions

Florida motels, popular among Canadian snowbirds, are facing a tough winter due to the strained U.S.-Canada relations. Owners in Hollywood, near Fort Lauderdale, have reported a surge in cancellations since tariffs on Canadian goods were imposed in March 2018. These motels, adorned with Canadian flags and license plates, typically bustle with French-speaking guests from Quebec seeking refuge from the cold.

However, the situation has taken a turn for the worse. Repeat visitors have started to abandon their plans, with some opting for Mexico or the Dominican Republic instead. One owner, a dual citizen who supported Trump, witnessed his busiest month turn into a disaster as bookings plummeted.

The local owners are feeling the heat, as they miss the long-stay Canadians who treat rooms like home, conserve energy, and spend generously. One motel even resorted to slashing rates to attract short-term cruise guests. Visitors like a longtime Floridian from Quebec have also decided to skip their annual trips, citing political tensions as the reason.

Airport arrivals from Canada have dropped by approximately seven percent through March at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International. Statewide, the number of Canadian visitors has decreased by fifteen percent, totaling two point nine million last year. Despite this, Florida tourism as a whole has seen a slight increase to one hundred forty-three point three million visitors, primarily Americans.

Despite the challenges, some snowbirds remain committed to their annual sun-seeking traditions and community bonds. Motel owners are working hard to attract these remaining visitors, maintaining optimism amidst the ebb and flow of business and weather cycles.

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