Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, August 9, 2025
News Summary
Hilton Head Island is experiencing a decline in Canadian tourism, with a 33% drop in travel compared to the previous year. Factors influencing this change include political sentiments, economic concerns like unfavorable exchange rates, and reports of anti-Canadian behavior at the U.S. border. Though many Canadians are rethinking their plans, some still remain committed to visiting the island, highlighting a complex situation for this popular tourist destination.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina — A notable decline in Canadian travel to the United States is leading to a reconsideration among regular visitors to Hilton Head Island, a popular destination for Canadian tourists. This decrease is attributed to various factors including political sentiments, economic concerns, and rising tensions in U.S.-Canada relations.
Statistics reveal that car trips from the U.S. back to Canada have decreased for six consecutive months, with a marked decline of approximately 33% in June 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year. Canada traditionally serves as the largest source of foreign visitors to Hilton Head Island, accounting for roughly 63% of international tourists in South Carolina, which approximates to about 328,000 visitors in 2023 alone.
Several factors are causing Canadians to rethink their travel plans. Experts have pointed to the rhetoric from the Trump administration—including comments suggesting that Canada might become the “51st state”—as fostering negative sentiment. Additionally, newly imposed tariffs and unfavorable exchange rates, with the Canadian dollar currently valued at $1.37 per U.S. dollar, have further contributed to the hesitation among Canadian travelers.
Property owners on Hilton Head Island have started to notice an impact. For instance, a long-time tenant canceled a planned three-month stay for early 2026, raising concerns about fluctuating exchange rates and reports of anti-Canadian sentiment at the border. Instances of Canadians reportedly being told to “go back to Canada” have instilled fear, causing some, especially those who frequently visit, to reconsider their vacation plans.
Despite the negative trends, not all Canadians are altering their travel itinerary to the United States. Some visitors remain confident in their decisions to return to Hilton Head. Regular visitors express feeling welcomed and enjoying various local activities, contradicting the overarching concerns about increased animosity.
The implications of this decline extend beyond just Hilton Head Island. The overall visitor spending in the Hilton Head area was roughly $2.8 billion last year, with international tourists notably contributing to these figures. Although international visitors make up only 3-5% of total visitation to Hilton Head and Beaufort County, they generally tend to stay longer and spend more compared to domestic travelers.
Moreover, cities like Myrtle Beach, which also draw Canadian tourists, remind stakeholders of the strong presence of these visitors who support the local economy. However, given the current context, the Hilton Head Visitor’s Bureau has limited outreach to international markets, relying more on tour companies for exposure.
Though visitation patterns show a slight decline, authorities remain cautious in predicting long-term trends as the year progresses. As the U.S.-Canada relationship evolves, the response from Canadian tourists will play a critical role in shaping the tourism landscape for Hilton Head Island and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Canadian travel to Hilton Head Island declining?
Travel from Canada to Hilton Head Island is declining due to unfavorable political sentiments, economic concerns such as tariffs and exchange rates, and reports of anti-Canadian sentiment.
2. What percentage of tourists to South Carolina are from Canada?
Canada accounted for about 63% of international tourists in South Carolina in 2023.
3. How has the Canadian dollar value affected travel?
The Canadian dollar is currently valued at $1.37 per U.S. dollar, impacting Canadian travelers’ decisions due to potentially higher costs.
4. Are all Canadians avoiding travel to the U.S.?
No, while some Canadians are reconsidering their travel, many still plan to visit Hilton Head and feel welcomed by the local community.
5. What is the economic impact of Canadian tourists on Hilton Head Island?
International tourists, which include Canadians, contributed to approximately $2.8 billion in spending within the Hilton Head area last year.
Key Features of Canadian Travel Trends
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Canadian Visitors | 63% of international tourists to South Carolina |
| Visitor Spending | $2.8 billion in Hilton Head area (2023) |
| Decline in Travel | 33% drop in car trips back to Canada (June 2024) |
| Canadian Dollar Value | $1.37 per U.S. dollar |
| Tourist Stay Duration | International visitors typically stay longer than domestic visitors |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Air Quality Advisory Issued Across Upstate New York
Increase in Shark Sightings and Bites at Hilton Head Island
South Carolina Strengthens $5 Billion Trade Relationship with Canada
South Carolina Secures $5 Billion Trade Partnership with Canada
South Carolina Strengthens Trade Ties with Canada
Fatal Plane Crash in Tennessee Attributed to Pilot Error
South Carolina and Canada Strengthen Economic Ties
Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 Crash-Lands at Toronto Airport
Trudeau Shifts Strategy Amid U.S. Tariff Threats
Historic Winter Storm Hits the Southern U.S., Affecting Millions
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Canadian Travel Decline Impacting Hilton Head Island
- The Globe and Mail: Canadian Travel Trends
- Travel + Leisure: All-Inclusive Resorts for a Girls’ Trip
- New York Times: Canadian Travel to Myrtle Beach
- Travel Market Report: Tropical Storm Helene Impact on Travel
- Wikipedia: Travel and Tourism in the United States
- Google Search: Canadian Travel Trends 2024
- Google Scholar: Canadian Travel Economics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Travel
- Google News: Canadian Tourism
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
