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WestJet sees 25 per cent drop in passengers wanting to fly to U.S. since tariff talk started: CEO
By Jordan Kanygin
WestJet said demand for travel to the United States has been “soft” over the last few weeks since a possible trade war started brewing between Canada and its biggest trading partner.
“What we have seen though, since the tariff announcements, is that our sales from Canada into the U.S. have actually dropped very significantly,” von Hoensbroech said, adding that the exchange rate likely has something do with the falling demand as well.
As reported, a Leger poll conducted from 31JAN - 03FEB 2025 with 1,553 Canadians found that nearly half (48%) say they’re less likely to visit the U.S. this year versus in 2024. That’s nearly double the 29% of Canadians who said the same thing in a Narrative poll taken in mid-January.
And an even more recent (07-10FEB) Léger poll reported in the National Post indicates the number has increased substantially in just one week to 56% of Canadians who are willing to cancel or avoid U.S. travel.
Leger stated that domestic Canadian travel is the top alternative for those avoiding U.S. trips. Six-in-ten (61%) of those less likely to visit the U.S. plan to explore Canada instead – 30% will travel within their home province, while 31% will visit another province within Canada.
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