Decline in Canadian Tourism Hits Florida's 'Little Quebec' Hard

Tourism in Hollywood, Florida, particularly among Canadian visitors from Quebec and Ontario, has sharply declined this winter, impacting local businesses like Richard's Motel. Traditionally a popular winter getaway, this year has seen a significant drop in bookings due to factors such as tariffs on Canadian goods and political sentiments. Richard Clavet, the motel owner, reported numerous cancellations and a shift in vacation preferences among his regular customers, who are now opting for destinations like the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Despite efforts to revitalize business through marketing and special offers, the overall situation remains challenging, with a 7% decrease in air arrivals from Canada noted since 2025.

Key Details: • Richard's Motel in Hollywood, Florida, traditionally caters to Canadian tourists. • The area has seen a 7% decline in Canadian air arrivals since 2025. • Cancellations increased after tariffs on Canadian goods were implemented in March 2022. • Clavet has implemented marketing strategies to attract visitors, including special pricing. • Local businesses are feeling the impact of reduced Canadian tourism, a market that has been vital for over 50 years.