How to Attract Canadian & U.S. Travellers
Trade wars, a supercharged U.S. dollar, and shifting travel habits—are shaking the ground for Canadian tourism operators. Stand strong. It’s a golden opportunity!
Here’s why: Canadians are rethinking their travel plans. With escalating tariffs and cross-border friction, more people are choosing to stay closer to home. Add the stronger U.S. dollar, and you’ve got Americans looking north for affordable vacation options. Let’s unpack how smart digital marketing can help you capitalize on these trends.
1. Canadians Are Staying Home—Make Sure They Choose You
Domestic travel is gaining momentum. Canadians are actively searching for local getaways, wanting to support businesses at home. It’s time to get in front of them.
Create a digital marketing strategy to stand out:
Geo-targeting ads: Focus on specific regions where staycations are trending.
Localized content: Promote unique experiences in your area—hidden gems, events, and local flavours that set your destination apart.
Social proof: Reviews, testimonials, and user-generated content (UGC) help build trust. Canadians want to see real experiences from other Canadians.
2. Americans Are Chasing Value
With the U.S. dollar surging in value, travel to Canada is a deal for American tourists. Particularly in higher-cost blue states, travellers are hunting for destinations that stretch their budgets without compromising on experience. And many are keenly interested in Canada.
So how do you reach them?
Targeted U.S. ad campaigns: Focus on high-income states like California and New York. Highlight how much further their dollars go in Canada.
Personalized landing pages: Design pages tailored to American travellers, showcasing deals and experiences they won’t find at home.
Influencer marketing: Collaborate with travel influencers who can amplify your message across U.S. platforms. Americans love a trusted recommendation.
3. Hit the Right Travellers at the Right Time
Digital marketing gives you precision targeting. You can reach travellers who are actively researching their next trip. Tools like programmatic advertising and search engine marketing (SEM) let you serve ads to users who’ve shown interest in travel—and even retarget those who didn’t convert the first time.
4. Stay Top-of-Mind with Content Marketing
You know the saying—content is king. Create blogs, videos, and guides that inspire travellers to imagine their perfect trip. But it’s not just about pretty pictures and catchy headlines. Optimize your content for search engines (SEO) so potential tourists find you when they’re planning.
Think:
“Top 10 things to do in [your destination] this summer”
“Why [your destination] is the perfect escape for U.S. travellers”
5. Nurture Leads with Email Campaigns
Once you’ve got someone’s attention, don’t let them slip away.
Email marketing is still one of the most effective ways to nurture potential customers. Create segmented lists for Canadians and Americans and send personalized offers, itineraries, and updates to keep them engaged.
6. Collaborate for Cross-Promotion
Digital marketing doesn’t have to be a solo game.
Team up with local businesses—restaurants, attractions, and transportation services—to create bundled promotions. You can cross-promote through each other’s websites, social channels, and newsletters, boosting visibility for everyone.
Seize the Moment
The combination of domestic travel growth and a strong U.S. dollar won’t last forever. Now’s the time to step up your digital marketing strategy and capture both Canadian and American tourists while the opportunity is hot.
Need help refining your plan? Magnify Digital can help your business meet the moment.
That’s the Magnify Digital way: practical, friendly, and focused on driving results through data-driven strategies.
Ready to attract those travellers? We’re here to help!
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