Cross-Border Travel from B.C. to Washington State Declines, Impacting U.S. Tourism
Cross-border travel from British Columbia to Washington State has significantly decreased, with a 55% drop at major U.S. entry points over the past two years. The Aldergrove-Lynden crossing alone saw a 31% decline in March compared to the previous year. This trend is attributed to safety concerns among Canadians, who are reportedly avoiding U.S. travel due to aggressive tactics by ICE officers. As a result, the U.S. Travel Association forecasts a 3.2% decline in international tourism spending, potentially risking 14,000 American jobs. Meanwhile, domestic tourism in Canada has increased by 6%, and Canadian travel to Mexico has surged by 12%.