Exclusive: Liberal government Gavin Newsom has revealed in a new campaign that Canadian tourists are being welcomed in the Golden State as he seeks to boost international travel after a sharp decline in US tourism caused by President Donald Trump’s tariff policy.
“We get it. The White House doesn’t exactly lay out the welcome mat, but Canadians should know that California will continue to welcome them and appreciate their partnership.”
The campaign will work with a visit to California’s nonprofit tourism group to launch an international campaign similar to Newsom’s call to ask the nation not to retaliate tariffs on California products this month.
Newsom is a $2.8 billion relief agreement for overrun health care programs by illegal immigrants
US President Donald Trump (c) arrives at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California on January 24, 2025, and will approach a speech adjacent to the first Lady Melania Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom, to visit areas destroyed by the Palisade and Eton fires. (Mandel nkan/AFP via Getty Images)
Newsom’s Office said tourism has dropped significantly to levels that have not been seen since the Covid-19 pandemic since Trump took office. Tourism from Canada, which last year produced 1.8 million tourists and $3.72 billion in revenue, fell 12% in February compared to last year.
According to the Newsom’s Office, the $5.2 million campaign is part of California’s annual marketing investment in California.
Rumorsedly looking at the 2028 presidential bid, Newsom met with British Columbia Premier David Ebby to discuss opportunities to expand its partnership with California and Canada. The two politicians discussed the corridors and housing, which are partners in the lumber industry, state transport, officials from Newsmu said.
Girls’ “unfair” comments about sports record as governor: “Absolute bull–“
A virtual meeting between Newsom and British Columbia Premier David Ebby. (Gavin Newsom’s Press Office)
Trump says Canada could become the “51st state,” but the US remains Canada’s biggest trading partner, supplying nearly two-thirds of its imports and purchasing more than 70% of its exports. Under Trump’s new tariff rate, 25% is being collected on Canadian goods.
Click here to get the Fox News app
According to a Politico report this week, the Vancouver-based travel group reported a 90% decline in future bookings. Ottawa’s Travac Tour canceled all US trips until July, but the Kingston, Ontario-based Maple Leaf Tour has seen business fall between 70% and 80%.
In mid-March, Canada issued mutual tariffs on US goods worth $30 billion.
