Are Canadians canceling trips to Myrtle Beach over Trump? A band has. How cities affected
This summer would have been the third year Michael Quinn and his family vacationed in Myrtle Beach.
But earlier this month the Ottawa, Canada, resident canceled his family’s 10-day vacation to the coastal city and instead will be vacationing in his home country.
His decision seems to be a growing sentiment among Canadians, who have reconsidered tourism plans in the United States and instead pushed for support of Canadian businesses. The change has come after President Donald Trump publicly called for the U.S. to annex Canada, making it the country’s 51st state, and proposing tariffs on the U.S.’s northern neighbor.
“We love the people,” Quinn said by telephone. “It has nothing to do with Myrtle Beach or the people working in the restaurants. It really comes down to the politics.
“We really take it personally what’s been said. Whether it’s a joke or not, it hits home when people are talking about annexing your country.”
A shift in Canadian tourists could mean a financial hit for many cities, including Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, that depend on the millions of Canadians who travel to the U.S. annually.
Canada is the top source of international visitors to the U.S., with 20.4 million visits in 2024 and generating $20.5 billion in spending, according to the U.S. Travel Association, a nonprofit representing the travel industry.
Each year the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Myrtle Beach conduct Can-Am Days, which will be March 8 through 16 and is designed to welcome Canadian visitors to the area.
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce did not say if the organization has received reports that visitors were canceling trips to the area.
In an emailed statement, Tracy Conner, interim president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, “We closely monitor national and international travel trends and remain proactive in adapting our strategies to ensure Myrtle Beach continues to be a welcoming and accessible destination.
“While travel patterns may evolve, we are confident that our 60 miles of beautiful beaches, world-class attractions and warm hospitality will continue to draw visitors from across the U.S., Canada and beyond.”
Destination North Myrtle Beach does not keep track of how many Canadian tourists visit North Myrtle Beach, but the organization’s advertising used to promote travel to the city does reach into Canada, CEO and President Cheryl Kilday said. Kilday said they have been following what is happening with the political climate.
“We welcome all people,” Kilday said, adding that “it’s unfortunate” when a governor or community encourages people not to travel. “It hurts our front line businesses and small, local businesses that depend on these travelers.
“People always have choices when it comes to travel. ...A lot of people come from Canada, and they will continue to come.”
Anecdotally, the organization has heard comments about cancellations, adding that it’s important to differentiate from actual cancellations to talk about cancellations.
“They’re probably both right now,” Kilday said.
The organization was notified by Burlington Teen Tour Band that it would not be participating in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival.
The band, which is from Burlington in Ontario, Canada, has been participating in the parade for years, according to Jeff Thomblison, director of bands and music services. He said because the band is a city-run program, it had to comply with the city’s decision to focus on its local economy.
The decision to cancel the band’s Myrtle Beach trip was made by staff and after careful consideration of multiple factors, including uncertainty amid shifts in the political and economic landscape, and protecting financial commitments such as deposits and payments, an emailed statement from the city said. “This was a difficult decision and there was some disappointment for participants and their families. We are hopeful this is just a temporary pause but will evaluate each performance opportunity on a case-by-case basis,” the statement said.
The Burlington mayor released a statement saying that as the city faces “continued uncertainty regarding potential tariffs” that the city would “prioritize Canadian vendors and services.”
Quinn’s decision to cancel his Myrtle Beach trip, along with a four-day mini vacation to New York City, was posted in the Facebook group “Made in Canada - Canadian Products.” Before an administrator turned off comments to the post, it had garnered 901 responses and more than 17,000 likes.
“Nobody wants to be involved in politics,” Quinn said. “It’s not because Trump is president, it’s what he said. We vacationed in the States in his first term.
“(Myrtle Beach is) our favorite place for a hot place in the States.”
But for the family of four, there won’t be any travel to the United States, “not until this stops,” Quinn said of Trump’s decisions.
This story was originally published February 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
