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Here are a few other notable insights from the travel and tourism sector:
Canadian Travel Sentiment Towards the U.S., Longwoods International: According to a new Longwoods International study, 60% of Canadians confirmed that current U.S. policies, trade practices, and political statements make them less likely to travel to the U.S. in the next twelve months. Additionally, 36% of Canadians had planned to travel to the U.S. in the next year but have since canceled those plans. Canadians concerned about U.S. policy and politics are seeking alternatives to their trips to the U.S., with 40% choosing to travel domestically in Canada and 27% looking to other international destinations, such as Mexico and Europe. Despite their concerns about traveling to America, more than 80% of Canadian travelers continue to view America as a diverse and beautiful international destination, with more than 80% saying that the destination has “lots of things to see and do” and 57% stating it’s “a place I’d really enjoy visiting.”
International Arrivals, Visit California: In March 2025, California experienced an 11% year-over-year decline in non-resident international arrivals, totaling 494,952 visitors. From Visit California’s top 13 markets, there was a 12.1% year-over-year decrease, and signaling continued softness across several key international markets, with notable declines from Canada (15.5%), Mexico (24.2%), and European markets like Germany (26.2%) and the United Kingdom (22.1%).
California Loves Canada, Visit California: Due to this significant decline in international travel, Visit California has launched its “California Loves Canada” campaign to reignite interest among Canadian visitors. Partnering with Expedia, this campaign offers exclusive deals and planning tools to encourage Canadian tourists to explore all that California has to offer. Through a dedicated landing page, Canadians can access discounts of up to 25% on more than 950 hotels, activities, and attractions, making it easier to explore the Golden State.
Americans Rethinking Summer Getaways to Stretch Travel Dollars, TravelPulse: Recent research conducted in March 2025 with 2,000 U.S. respondents reveals key trends in summer travel spending:
- 32% of Americans plan to travel on less popular days (e.g., midweek) to save money.
- 40% are adjusting their trips to less popular weeks to secure better prices.
Additionally, Skyscanner’s survey found that 52% of travelers are prioritizing cost-saving strategies, while 88% aim to maximize every aspect of their vacations, not just financially, but also by extending their trips and exploring more destinations.
To travel more affordably without sacrificing experiences, consider the following strategies:
- Adjust your travel dates: Opt for midweek departures to save on airfare.
- Explore new destinations: 43% of travelers are considering places they hadn’t previously considered, opening budget-friendly options.
- Smart booking: Plan your trips around the cheapest travel days and weeks, as well as the most affordable destinations.
American Travel Sentiment, Longwoods International: 94% of American travelers plan trips in the next six months, up from 88% in February. Despite this increase, inflation remains a significant concern, with 55% of travelers stating it will greatly impact their decisions, along with worries about transportation costs, airfares, and gas prices. Additionally, starting May 7th, REAL ID will be required for domestic airline flights; however, only 51% of travelers have obtained one, despite 80% being aware of the deadline.
Hotel Loyalty Programs Surge in Membership, CBRE: An analysis of 675 million hotel loyalty program members in 2024 by CBRE confirms that hotel loyalty programs remain a relatively cost-efficient method to drive occupancy. Membership grew by 14.5%, surpassing room growth and increasing the number of members per room by 7.4%. Points are being redeemed as swiftly as they are earned, reducing liability per member by 5.3%. Loyalty fees increased by 4.4% but remained modest, accounting for $5.46 per occupied room or 1.6% of total revenues, demonstrating the overall efficiency of these programs.
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