Canadians canceling summer reservations in Maine over tariff dispute [Video]

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine — Old Orchard Beach has long been a favorite getaway for Canadian tourists, with their spending making up a significant share of local business revenue. But concerns are growing that the tariff turmoil between the U.S. and Canada could put a dent in Maine’s tourism industry.

Even during the pandemic in 2020, Canadian visitors spent more than $200 million in Maine. By 2022, that number had jumped to $413 million, and in 2023, Canadian tourists contributed $464 million to the state’s economy. That represents just 5 percent of the $9.1 billion.

However, Canadian tourists make up 30 to 40 percent of revenue for Old Orchard Beach’s businesses, according to the town’s chamber of commerce executive director Kim Howard. Even a slight dip in visitors could have significant …