The northeastern U.S. state of Maine has been a popular summer vacation destination for Canadians, particularly Quebecers, for over a century.
So much so, Canadians make up over a third of the tourism economy in one particular resort town: Old Orchard Beach.
But now, with escalating U.S. trade tensions and President Trump’s antagonistic rhetoric towards Canadian sovereignty, cancellations have started adding up and hurting — even possibly devastating — some local businesses who have decided to speak out.
At the Point View Inn, a 50-year old family-run hotel, a greeting note on its website says “Welcome! Bienvenue!” in a nod to greet its annual French Canadian visitors. They flock to Old Orchard Beach by the thousands every summer.
Sterling Morse, owner of the Point View Inn, said that when Trump began talking about annexing Canada and making it the 51st state, he became worried.
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Then, the cancellation calls started coming …