Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Curtis Goodrum

Kamloops tourism industry braces for change as buy-local frenzy erupts across Canada

Feb 12, 2025 | 5:17 PM

KAMLOOPS — The exchange rate, tariff threats and Canada becoming State 51 have left many Canadian tourists looking for vacations away from the Land of Liberty.

All the factors surrounding travel to the United States have led some Canadians to change vacation plans.

Once travel agent who spoke to CFJC Today said a client family decided, rather than go to Disneyland, they would take a trip to the Fantasyland Hotel at West Edmonton Mall. Another changed plans from Florida to Mexico. Some may even consider holding off going to the States over the summer and are looking at Europe instead.

“We’ve noticed a difference. For example, WestJet just had a phenomenal sale on going to Vegas. One of my clients said, ‘Hey, look, I can go to Vegas for $300 and stay in a hotel,’ and I said, ‘Yeah, they put everything on sale because no one is going,’” said Roxanna Ferguson of Direct Travel.

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The Canadian dollar has fallen in value compared to that of the United States. Many travel agents and leisure advisors like Ferguson have noted Canadians cannot afford the exchange rate between the two currencies.

“You know, if you have a credit card that charges you 3.5 per cent (interest) — which the majority of credit cards do for the sake of purchasing in a different country — if you buy something that’s $100 U.S. in Maui, you’re paying $150 Canadian,” said Ferguson.

With the buy-local frenzy currently taking over the nation, some Canadians could consider vacationing locally as an alternative to road trips to the United States.