RBC Economics says the “buy Canadian” movement has generated a persistent decline in the number of Canadians returning from the U.S. this year.

April saw the steepest drop with number of Canadians flying back from the U.S. falling 20 per cent year-over-year, while land travel from the U.S. slumped by an even larger 26 per cent.

RBC economists suggest that plunge in the demand for travel means fewer services exports for the U.S. and potentially a larger net U.S. trade deficit.

As well, they say falling travel to the U.S. doesn’t mean Canadians have stopped going abroad altogether-they’ve simply chosen other destinations.

In April, 143,000 fewer Canadians flew back from the U.S., but 114,000 more-a 10 per cent increase-returned from other countries.

RBC economics also says more Canadian staying closer to home is usually positive for the domestic tourism industry.

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May 26-30 as Saskatchewan Tourism Week. The government says tourism generates roughly $3 billion in annual travel spending and in 2024 encompassed over 62,000 full- and part-time positions.