Imagine running a boutique hotel in Frisco, a family-owned restaurant in downtown McKinney, or driving for a rideshare service to help make ends meet. Now imagine 50% fewer international travelers—and potential customers—not because of a recession or a global crisis, but because of a political standoff.
That’s the quiet storm North Texans could face if Canadian travelers decide to boycott Texas in response to former President Trump’s tariff threats and his dismissive comments suggesting Canada should become the “51st state.”
Why Canada Matters to Texas
In 2023, Canadian visitors injected over $403 million into the Texas economy, making them the second-largest group of international travelers to the state. They come for business, culture, sports, and sunshine—especially in the winter months.
North Texas, particularly the cities in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, is a top destination. With direct flights from DFW International Airport to major Canadian cities and a wide array of attractions—from The Star in Frisco to future Universal Studios theme park and bustling Main Streets in McKinney and Plano—the region thrives on tourism dollars.
The Numbers Behind the Threat
Even a partial boycott by Canadian travelers would have serious economic consequences:
- A 10% drop = $40 million lost
- A 50% drop = $201.7 million lost
- A 100% drop = $403.3 million lost
These figures represent not only lost tourism revenue, but also a potential decline in income for local hotel workers, rideshare drivers, retailers, and small business owners in cities like McKinney, Frisco, and Plano.
The Human Cost: Jobs, Businesses, and Community Impact
It’s easy to dismiss this as just politics. But for hotel staff, Uber drivers, stadium vendors, and small business owners, it’s personal. Canadian tourists spend money in local restaurants, stay in our hotels, shop at our malls, and attend games at the Ford Center and Globe Life Field. These are real dollars disappearing from our communities—dollars that support jobs and families.
Why Canadians Might Stay Away
The strain between the U.S. and Canada is growing. New tariffs, aggressive rhetoric, and statements like those from Trump suggesting Canada should be a “51st state” are being taken seriously north of the border. Canadian travel agencies have already reported up to a 40% drop in U.S. bookings—particularly to states seen as politically hostile or unwelcoming.
Unfortunately, recent comments from Representative Keith Self and Governor Greg Abbott have placed North Texas front and center in this diplomatic fallout.
What North Texans—and Our Leaders—Can Do
Representative Self may not control foreign policy, but he does have a responsibility to his constituents. He can speak out and make it clear that North Texas values its Canadian visitors and international relationships. He can urge President Trump to tone down the rhetoric and focus on rebuilding—not breaking—bridges.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about protecting local businesses, workers, and families from the fallout of unnecessary conflict.
The Bottom Line
A potential Canadian boycott of Texas isn’t just about lost tourism revenue. It’s about real consequences for real people. For the families and business owners of Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, the threat is more than political—it’s personal.
