Latest news with #AmericanTourists
CTV News
28-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Fewer Americans visiting Canada, tourism operators say they're still welcome
American tourists are pulling back from visiting Canada this summer, as political tensions, tariffs and shifting public sentiment seem to cool cross-border travel. But Canadian tourism operators are sending a clear message, U.S. visitors are still welcome here. A new survey from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) shows nearly a third of Ontario tourism operators are reporting fewer bookings from Americans compared to last summer. The decline comes as Canadian patriotism surges in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's 51st state rhetoric, along with a growing trade dispute with the United States and a broader shift in public opinion. 'And that is a bit of a reversal love a trend compared to last year where we saw those numbers growing,' said Chris Siegwart, president and CEO of TIAO. 'There's a couple of reasons why Americans are waiting a little bit right now or haven't booked yet. Certainly, some concerns about the border not only getting to the border or getting reports of some congestion and slow downs at border crossings but also some concerns about feeling welcomed when they arrive. One of the most important things we can do is make sure we reiterate that our American visitors are welcomed and that we value them and that we want to provide them with a great experience.' The slowdown is notable given the role U.S. tourists play in Canada's travel economy. Americans accounted for nearly 79 per cent of international visits to Canada in the third quarter of last year, spending $6.6 billion in that period alone, according to Statistics Canada. But in recent months, travel patterns have shifted. U.S. resident trips to Canada dropped in early 2025, marking the first year-over-year declines since 2021. Some of that may be driven by rising costs and geopolitical friction. Nearly 40 per cent of Ontario operators surveyed said they are feeling the impact of U.S. tariffs and supply issues, and nearly a third rely on American-sourced goods to operate. And while more Canadian are choosing to avoid U.S. travel, that doesn't reflect how most feel about American tourists. 'We have definitely noticed a slow start to tourism here in the ByWard Market,' said vendor Angie Auchterloine, who operates, Funk Your Junk, which transforms items like candy wrappers into items like pencil cases and keychains. 'We want everybody who comes to Ottawa to you're welcome. We did notice some visitors are a little bit hesitant to tell us where they're from when we ask and as soon as they tell us, we're there from, that they're from the United States. We always say welcome. They are great neighbours, and we want them to visit Canada.' And in Quebec, Tourism Eastern Townships is leading a new bilingual ad campaign aimed at reassuring and welcoming American vacationers. The effort, timed to launch just before the peak summer season, features scenic views and warm messaging designed to counter any hesitation south of the border. Plenty of Canadians are also going out of their way to extend a neighbourly hand, saying that while political frustrations may be running high, those feelings don't apply to everyday visitors. 'We came to Ottawa to celebrate our 56th wedding anniversary,' said Diane Peck, who is here with husband, David. The couple are from Plymouth Massachusetts. 'We wanted to spend our vacation money in Canada to show solidarity to the Canadians because we are so embarrassed and humiliated by the way they have been treated by that man (Trump). It's been absolutely wonderful here. The people we have had a chance to talk to, the Canadians at the bars and the pubs and on our wine tour that we took everyone has been terrific.' While domestic tourism holds steady, Siegwart notes Ontario's operators are cautiously optimistic about the season ahead. 'About 20 per cent of our revenues and tourism in Ontario come from US visitors so it is a significant portion of our economy,' he said. 'And we know that American citizens right now are dealing with cost-of-living and everyday costs and there is an advantage to come to Ontario right now with the exchange rate. So, making sure that we are conveying that there's great value to be had in Ontario and not undervaluing what we offer by talking about that price difference, but to encourage them that this is a place where their money can go a bit further. It's in our DNA to be welcoming to Americans, you know, bows up on policy arms as it relates to our relationship relationships and Canadians are fulfilling that call to action.'
Bloomberg
21-05-2025
- Bloomberg
Five Value-Packed, Under-the-Radar Vacations to Take This Summer
It may be an American holiday, but Memorial Day weekend seems to kick off summer travel everywhere, unleashing the highest-spending tourists on their annual sprees to the Greek Isles, Italy and beyond. True, this season may be a slower burn with US-based tourists pulling back over the economy, geopolitics, aviation safety, immigration policies and America's souring international reputation. But for those who remain undeterred—and their eager-to-travel European counterparts —there's a deep well of unique destinations to consider this summer.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
If You're Wondering If You Dress Like An American Tourist Abroad, These Signs Are A Dead Giveaway
If you've ever seen the iconic Modern Family clip where Mitchell is increasingly bothered that people in France know he's American just by looking at him — that is, until he purchases an outfit from a local store and fits in with the locals — you'll understand the plight of American tourists. Sometimes, even with the right language skills or a demure presence, our clothes alone give us away. This is because Americans have a specific way of dressing, stylists say, whether they're visiting Europe, Asia or another locale. And while fashion is different in every city and every country (and among different groups in said place), Americans still manage to stick out no matter where they are. Below, stylists from around the world share the styles that make Americans stand out from locals and how to dress like an international traveler instead. Wearing Athletic Wear Asbury Park, New Jersey, travel USA, 'People in America really like the idea of dressing comfortably,' said Brooke Crum, a fashion stylist who also organizes bespoke shopping tours for visitors in Japan. This often results in Americans wearing athletic wear while out and about on vacation, Crum said. When thinking of workout clothes, Crum said one item comes to mind first. 'What's one thing not to wear? Leggings, full stop,' Crum stated. 'People wouldn't stare, it's not like 'Oh, this is an American person,' but I think the way that some people style leggings is more of wearing it for comfort. So it's a racerback tank with just long leggings, and in Japan ... if you're going to the yoga studio, wear the yoga pants. If you're going to run, wear the tracksuit,' said Crum. 'Clothes have their purpose and athletic wear is for athletics,' she stated. When people in Japan do wear workout clothes outside of an exercise situation, they style them intentionally, she said. 'It's more of an elevated, casual approach. So if you're going to wear a jersey, put a blazer over it, Crum said — or, you could style a track jacket with a pair of jeans. Crum said it's also more common for people in Japan to wear muted, monochromatic athletic wear instead of bright separates, which makes for a more put-together look. According to Anne-Victoire Lefèvre, a fashion consultant based in Paris, it's also common to see visiting Americans in baseball caps or carrying backpacks, two things that also fall into the athletic wear category. Being Too Dressy Speaking of dressing casual, Nathalie Oliver, a private stylist at Le Bon Marché department store in Paris, said that while Americans are often too casual during the day (in athletic wear and the like), they are too dressy come evening. For women, being too dressy could mean wearing a special-occasion dress and a pair of heels or going all out in a fancy skirt, blouse and wedges. 'Men are probably the worst dressed Americans ... from what I'm seeing,' Oliver said. 'I think that most of them have the same outfit, which is a polo shirt, a pair of chino [pants] and a pair of sneakers,' she said, adding that a navy blazer, chino pants and white shirt is another common combination for guys. To look Parisian, Oliver suggests that travelers aim for less sophisticated outfits in the evenings and try not to be too Ivy League (for example, by wearing the navy blazer combination). For women, try a silky dress with a bulky jacket draped over your shoulders (brownie points if it's a stylish men's jacket). Or, try a pair of denim pants, high heels and a blouse. For men, linen shirts, cotton pants and a pair of low loafers are a go-to for Parisian locals. Aim for clothing in neutral colors during the summer months, like off-white, beige and camel, added Oliver. Having Perfect Makeup And Hair Going all out applies to other aspects of Americans' presentation as well. American women are much more likely to have on a full face of makeup, unlike Parisian women, especially in the summer, Oliver stated. 'I always notice that American ladies, they are real nicely made up, doing the makeup with the foundation, it's very sophisticated, and most of ladies in Paris ... they're not really like this,' said Oliver. What's more, Americans often have their hair and nails done perfectly, too, 'which is fantastic to me, because I know that I have some American friends and they're waking up at 5 to be perfect at 7 to leave the house and go to work ... it's not our way of life, to be honest,' Oliver noted. 'I think we're more paying attention to accessories ... I would say outfit is important, but shoes and accessories are, for French ladies, the thing, the best part of the outfit,' she said. Wearing Too Many Logos Lefèvre pointed out that Americans' more comfortable outfits often include T-shirts or sweaters with logos, or carrying a tote bag with the logo and name of a museum you recently visited. 'I think we avoid logos and choose timeless pieces that you can mix with your whole wardrobe,' Lefèvre stated. If you don't want to be instantly labeled an American tourist, avoid logo-ridden clothing or bags and 'wear black, or just a classic white shirt with a top under and jeans,' she said, 'And comfy ballerina [shoes] for women.' This creates a more chic look, Lefèvre noted. Dressing Too Beachy 'I'm not saying that all Americans are like this or dress like that, but the general vibe we get is a mix between beach and activewear,' explained Laura Carrillo, a stylist and fashion designer based in Mexico City. 'I think that's because most people think Mexico is just a country of beaches and towns, but our cities thrive with metropolitan energy and culture,' she said. So, just because you're traveling to a country that's known for its beaches doesn't mean you should only pack beachwear — especially if you're going somewhere that isn't close to the beach, like Mexico City. 'The culture of 'fashion' is relatively new to our country, but it's coming fast and hard,' Carrillo said, 'We have a longstanding heritage with artisans and we are quickly marrying them into something unique.' When it comes to dressing like the locals in Mexico City, Carrillo said it's not that easy. 'It's a different culture and energy. We have to remember that Mexico isn't Condesa or Roma [fashionable neighborhoods in Mexico City]; it's hard to put your finger on exactly what a local would dress like,' she said. Instead of trying to fit in, Carrillo said tourists should try to focus on not standing out too much as a visitor. 'A lot of [Americans] have style and carry themselves as they would at home,' Carrillo said. She advised visitors to 'dress how you would at home and embrace Mexico as you would your own country.' Don't be afraid to try out new styles and get inspiration from the world around you. If you happen to be a fan of 'American' styles, that's OK, too. You can always blend those looks with other styles to create a unique look. 'I think you just have to play with fashion,' said Oliver. 'And if [you look] in the mirror, and you think you are beautiful ... go out like this.' Fashion is subjective, meaning no one look is going to be a home run for everyone. 'I really think it's important that people stay true to their own style, whether it's casual or it's elegant, or it's polished,' stated Crum. If you know something works on you and makes you feel confident, lean into it... and consider elevating it a little. 'Like, if wide-leg denim pants are great on you, wear those ... wear them in khaki, wear them in dress pants. Find different versions of them that accentuate your look or elevate your look,' Crum said. It's also important to have a collection of basics that fit you well — like white shirts, black shirts, jeans and blazers — to pull from, Crum added. 'Then you can layer those really easy.' You can even find fashion inspiration while traveling, whether you're out shopping at a vintage store or simply taking in the culture around you. 'Look at people in the street, be in a terrace, have a drink in different places and different areas,' Oliver suggested. '[You] just have to sit there and look around, and you see a lot of style, a lot of people, and maybe it can help you to find the style you like,' Oliver said, adding that she also finds style inspiration this way. But it's important that you source ideas and inspiration, not an exact look. 'I know that with my customers, every selection is different because there's a different body, different sizes, different eye, different occupation ... so, you don't do copy and paste — there's no point to do that,' Oliver article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Daily Mail
US brothers are beaten up with miniature Eiffel Towers after angering Paris street vendors by filming them
Two American brothers were beaten up by angry Parisian street vendors after filming them with their phones. The tourists, understood to be 24 and 28, were visiting the Eiffel Tower on Tuesday when they were reportedly attacked with miniature souvenirs of the iconic Parisian landmark. One of the brothers took a blow to the face and was left with a bleeding wound, according to local media. He was treated by first responders, but his injuries were minor and did not require him being taken to hospital. Police were called following the altercation, but the perpetrators had already fled the scene. The brothers filed a complaint following the attack, French outlet Le Parisien reported, which led to a suspect being arrested and taken into police custody. It is understood that the American visitors are active on social media, but their identities have not been disclosed. They had reportedly been filming the street vendors before the fight broke out. The attack on the American tourists in Paris comes after a British holidaymaker was allegedly repeatedly raped by a taxi driver following a night out in the French capital. The alleged attack took place in Bois de Boulogne on March 15, French newspaper Le Figaro reported. Local police were alerted to the incident by a resident who said they had stumbled across the woman 'crying and in a state of shock' in her garden. Police rushed to the woman's aid with the alleged victim claiming she had ordered a taxi home the night before. She had just spent the previous evening with her friends out in Paris. According to local reports, the taxi driver picked the woman up in the capital before driving her to Bois de Boulogne and raping her several times. Police were informed by the Brit that the alleged attack had only ended after the woman had managed to escape the parked car and run into a nearby garden, a source told the French newspaper. The man had found the terrified woman in the morning and immediately called the police. The victim was treated by officials from the Paris fire service and taken to the Garches hospital for routine checks.
