B.C. tourism industry hopeful for boost in visitors during Trump presidency

After Donald Trump was elected in 2016, many tourists chose to visit Canada instead of the U.S.

When Donald Trump was first elected U.S. president in 2016, Canada saw what some called a “Trump bump” in the tourism sector.

Brett Soberg, the co-owner of a Victoria-based whale watching company, anticipates a similar increase in travellers during Trump’s second term.

“We experienced a bit of bolster, a very slight bump, so that was a positive,” said Soberg, the captain of Eagle Wing Tours.

“European business was up over that time, as well, and we are anticipating a very slight bump,” he added. “Our fingers are crossed.”

Out-of-country visitors are something B.C.’s tourism sector depends on, according to Walt Judas, the CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C.

“It’s vital. It generates more export revenue than a lot of other natural resource sectors, so it’s a critical part of B.C.’s economy,” said Judas.

The U.S. represents the largest international market of visitors for B.C., he says.

His organization says the number of visitors to B.C. from the U.S. typically grows by about three per cent each year.

About 33 per cent of U.S. tourists who come to B.C. are from Washington state and roughly 25 per cent are from California.

B.C. Tourism Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert says he’s heard already from local businesses who have seen more travellers opting to travel to Canada, rather than the U.S.

“This is a Trump tariff threat. It’s not an individual American tariff threat. And so they are welcome here. We want to maintain our good, positive relationship we’ve had for a long, long time. And they’re welcome here,” said Chandra Herbert.

The current weaker Canadian dollar could also be another factor for more Americans looking to head north.

But while there are potential positives for the tourism sector, a looming 25 per cent tariff has many more drawbacks.

“Being a whale watcher … is (the threat of tariffs) going to impact fuel prices? Is there going to be potential impact on the supply chain for parts?” asked Soberg.

With tariffs expected to take effect Saturday, those questions may soon be answered.