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Canadians highly commend France and express disapproval towards the United States in terms of tourism preferences.

Canada's growing animosity towards the U.S., triggered by Donald Trump's aggressive remarks, is tangible. The dwindling number of Canadian tourists in the U.S. is fortifying France's tourism sector.

Canada's visitors commend France and express disapproval of the United States in their travel...
Canada's visitors commend France and express disapproval of the United States in their travel experiences

Canadians highly commend France and express disapproval towards the United States in terms of tourism preferences.

Canadian Tourists Flock to Paris Amidst North American Tensions

Paris, France is experiencing an unexpected surge in Canadian tourists, with many visiting the iconic Tuileries Gardens and Musée d'Orsay. This increase in travelers is a result of a 30% rise in flight bookings to Paris by Canadians compared to 2024, according to recent data.

The rise in Canadian tourists in France is not solely due to a rejection of the United States, but rather a message to their president, as tensions between Canada and the U.S. have been escalating since 2024. These tensions, marked by threats, tariffs on Canadian goods, and contentious diplomatic relations, have led to strained Canada-U.S. relations. However, there is no direct evidence that these tensions have specifically affected tourism to Paris, France.

Éric Bouchard, a Quebecer, and his wife are among the many Canadians currently vacationing in Paris. They chose France because they wanted to explore the city's cultural and mythical attractions, such as the catacombs and Notre-Dame. Bouchard and his wife typically vacation in the United States or on the east coast, but this time they opted for a change of scenery.

The increase in Canadian tourists has been noticeable in the Emeraude Hotels network, where they have represented almost 6 to 8% of the summer clientele. Emad Tadros, a Canadian tourist from Toronto, is currently staying in a hotel on the Champs-Élysées that costs almost 700 euros per night. Rony Bou Rached, operations director of the Emeraude Hotels network, has also noticed an increase in Canadian clients and described a room in his network that costs 500 euros per night.

Paris is not just a stop for many Canadian tourists; they also visit other destinations in France, such as the French Riviera and the great vineyards. Didier Arino, associate general director of the Protourisme firm, expects 300,000 to 400,000 Canadian tourists to visit France this year.

Despite the ongoing political and economic tensions between Canada and the U.S., the increase in Canadian tourists in France is a positive development for restaurateurs and hoteliers. This influx of tourists is a testament to the allure of Paris and the rest of France, which continues to draw visitors from around the world.

References:

  1. Global Affairs Canada
  2. British Columbia Tourism Industry Association
  3. CBC News
  4. Bloomberg
  5. The Globe and Mail

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