Palm Springs Appeals to Canadians Amid US-Canada Tensions

Palm Springs, California – As tensions rise between the United States and Canada, Palm Springs has launched a campaign to maintain its status as a favored tourist destination for Canadians. The city has hung banners throughout downtown, emblazoned with the message “Palm Springs ❤️ Canada,” a show of solidarity with its northern neighbor.

Mayor Ron deHarte voiced these sentiments in a Facebook video on April 1, emphasizing that Palm Springs continues to welcome Canadian tourists despite political uncertainties. “The City of Palm Springs loves our Canadian friends and neighbors. These new banners downtown are just a reminder that you are welcome and appreciated in our City and that will never change!” deHarte stated.

Palm Springs International Airport has also joined in on the initiative, displaying the same welcoming message on large screens situated near airport entrances and baggage claim areas. Despite the displays of goodwill, the city fears that escalating political issues could deter Canadian travelers, who are a significant part of its tourism economy.

Approximately 300,000 Canadians visit Palm Springs each year, with many staying for extended periods. These visitors support around 2,000 jobs in the local hospitality sector, contributing an estimated $236.5 million to the Coachella Valley economy in 2017. With the recent political climate, the potential for a Canadian boycott poses a serious threat to this lucrative market.

“Our businesses here appreciate your presence, and we value your contributions to our community,” said deHarte, underscoring the importance of Canadian tourism to the area’s prosperity.

Recent comments from President Donald Trump regarding Canada have added to apprehensions. Trump has suggested absorbing Canada as a U.S. state, a proposition that has not resonated well with Canadians. His administration has also imposed significant tariffs on imports from Canada, further straining U.S.-Canada relations.

Real estate agent Sherri Dettman expressed concern over these developments, noting that the political environment has driven many potential Canadian buyers away from California properties. “Within the first two weeks of tariff talks, I had sellers calling and saying, ‘We’re out of here.’ Trump has irrevocably damaged the relationship between Canada and the United States,” she noted.

Local business owner Keith McCormick, who initiated the campaign to promote Canadian tourism, observed a feeling of uncertainty within the community. “The atmosphere in town is one of anxiety that our tourists fear they might not be allowed to return over the border,” he said.

Despite these welcoming efforts, some Canadians have responded negatively to the political landscape. A survey of sentiments on social media revealed many Canadians expressing intentions to avoid travel to the U.S. Some commenters declared they would rather vacation in Europe or Mexico instead, citing concerns that range from the current political climate to Trump’s policies.

Canadian airlines like WestJet and Flair have reported a decrease in flights between Canada and Palm Springs, attributing this decline to lower demand resulting from the political environment. Spokesperson Josh Yates of WestJet noted a shift in traveler preferences, echoing trends that indicate an uptick in bookings to alternative destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.

As Mayor deHarte’s outreach continues, it remains to be seen whether the charm offensive will counteract the impact of declining Canadian visits. The city stands firm in its commitment to nurture its ties with Canadian tourists, insisting that they remain an integral part of Palm Springs’ identity.