Florida’s once-thriving Canadian tourism sector is seeing a sharp decline, with early data and industry officials pointing to a downturn in visitor numbers. Passenger arrivals from Canada at Miami International Airport have already fallen this year, and demand for flights from Canada to South Florida has dropped by approximately 20% compared to last year.
Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, expressed concern over the trend, noting that Fort Lauderdale typically welcomes about 1.1 million Canadian visitors annually. “Canada has long been one of our most valuable international markets, with Canadian visitors contributing significantly to our local economy, supporting thousands of jobs, and fueling our vibrant hospitality sector,” Ritter said in a statement. She warned that the region is bracing for economic fallout in the coming months. “Our tourism industry thrives on open borders, accessibility, and strong international relationships.”
Airlines have responded to the reduced demand by cutting flight capacity. Between Jan. 31 and March 25, airlines flying between Canada and Miami International Airport reduced seat capacity by 13% for April, 17% for May, and 15% for June. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport faces even steeper cuts, with reductions of 18%, 19%, and 25% for the same months, respectively.
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Real estate markets are also feeling the impact. Share Ross, a southeast Florida-based Realtor, noted a spike in Canadian homeowners rushing to sell. “Some of the clients I have been dealing with want to sell at any cost, even at a loss,” she said. The rental market has also suffered, with Ross stating, “The Canadian market for rentals is just done.”
The downturn in Canadian visitors comes at a time when Florida’s housing market is already under strain, with soaring insurance premiums and increasing climate-related risks contributing to a record number of homes for sale. The continued exodus of Canadian tourists and homeowners could further shake the state’s economy.
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