Cancún Unites with Punta Cana, Montego Bay and More Destinations in Mexico, Jamaica and Other Countries as Canadians Moving Choice from Exploring US to These Hidden Gems

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Cancún unites with Punta Cana, Montego Bay and more destinations in Mexico, Jamaica and other countries as Canadians move their travel choices from exploring the US to these hidden gems. Amid ongoing US–Canada trade tensions, Caribbean beaches, cultural attractions and affordable holiday experiences are increasingly influencing Canadian international tourism decisions.

Canadian Tourists Turn to Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and More Americas Destinations Amid US Trade War

Trade tensions between Canada and the United States are changing the way Canadian holidaymakers choose their international destinations. As travellers reconsider traditional American holidays, cities and coastal resorts across Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America are attracting greater attention. From Cancún and Punta Cana to Liberia and Aruba, the shift is creating new opportunities for tourism businesses, airlines, hotels and destination marketing organisations.

The changing travel patterns reflect more than political sentiment. Holiday prices, direct flight connections, exchange rates, safety considerations and the availability of all-inclusive packages are also influencing decisions. Nevertheless, research from Statistics Canada, Longwoods International and Canadian travel booking platforms suggests that the wider political and economic relationship between Canada and the United States has become an important factor in holiday planning.

US–Canada Trade Tensions Create New Opportunities for Tourism Across the Americas

The United States has traditionally been one of the most important international destinations for Canadian travellers. Florida, Arizona, California and other American states have attracted millions of visitors seeking winter sunshine, shopping, entertainment and extended holidays.

However, the introduction of tariffs, political disagreements and changing attitudes towards cross-border travel have encouraged some Canadians to reconsider their American holiday plans.

According to Statistics Canada, Canadian visits to the United States declined from approximately 30.2 million in 2024 to 23.1 million in 2025, representing a decrease of about 23.5%.

Research published by Longwoods International in April 2026 also found that 57% of surveyed Canadian travellers were less likely to visit the United States because of American government policies, trade practices and political statements.

Meanwhile, Canadian overseas travel continues to provide opportunities for competing destinations. Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica were among the leading overseas countries visited by Canadians during the first quarter of 2026.

Although the trade dispute is influencing travel sentiment, individual destination growth cannot automatically be attributed to political tensions. Airline schedules, hotel prices, promotional campaigns and established seasonal travel patterns remain important.

Cancún, Mexico – Caribbean Beaches Strengthen Their Appeal Among Canadian Holidaymakers

Cancún remains one of the most recognisable international holiday destinations for Canadians. Its Caribbean coastline, extensive hotel infrastructure and established air connections make it a convenient alternative to traditional American sunshine destinations.

Canadian visitors can choose from beachfront resorts, family-friendly hotels, entertainment districts and excursions to archaeological attractions across the Yucatán Peninsula.

The destination also benefits from a mature all-inclusive holiday market, allowing travellers to understand much of their accommodation and dining expenditure before departure.

Cancún appeared among the leading international destinations in FlightHub’s 2026 Canadian travel rankings, demonstrating its continued importance to the market.

For tourism operators, the opportunity lies in attracting travellers who might otherwise have selected Florida for their winter holidays. However, growth in Canadian demand should be distinguished from overall visitor performance across Mexico’s Caribbean resorts.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – All-Inclusive Resorts Attract Growing Canadian Demand

Punta Cana has emerged as one of the clearest beneficiaries of changing Canadian international holiday preferences.

FlightHub’s 2026 research reported a 109% year-on-year increase in bookings for Punta Cana within its dataset, highlighting the destination’s growing appeal among Canadian customers using the platform.

The resort region is particularly attractive to families, couples and groups seeking predictable holiday costs. Its all-inclusive hotels typically combine accommodation, meals, swimming pools, entertainment and direct beach access.

Punta Cana International Airport provides connections with major Canadian departure markets, supporting seasonal and year-round tourism.

For Canadian travellers reconsidering holidays in the United States, Punta Cana offers a familiar resort experience in a different international setting. Its established tourism infrastructure also helps tour operators package flights, transfers and accommodation efficiently.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Pacific Coast Tourism Offers an Alternative to US Winter Holidays

Puerto Vallarta combines Pacific Ocean beaches with traditional Mexican culture, waterfront restaurants, galleries and nearby coastal communities.

The destination has long attracted Canadian winter visitors, including travellers who prefer extended stays rather than short resort holidays.

Its established Canadian market makes it particularly relevant as some holidaymakers reassess their usual trips to Arizona, California and other American destinations.

Puerto Vallarta featured among FlightHub’s ten most popular international destinations for Canadian travellers in its 2026 rankings.

Beyond beach tourism, visitors can explore the historic centre, enjoy marine excursions and discover the neighbouring Riviera Nayarit region.

For local tourism businesses, maintaining reliable Canadian air connections and offering accommodation across different price categories will remain essential to retaining this important international market.

Liberia and Guanacaste, Costa Rica – Nature Tourism Gains Momentum

Liberia serves as the principal aviation gateway to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, known for Pacific beaches, national parks, wildlife and outdoor activities.

FlightHub reported booking growth of approximately 145% for Liberia in its 2026 research, placing the destination among the notable emerging choices for Canadian travellers.

Costa Rica also recorded approximately 193,000 Canadian visits during the first quarter of 2026, according to Statistics Canada.

Unlike destinations built primarily around large beachfront resorts, Guanacaste offers a combination of coastal holidays and nature-based experiences.

Travellers can visit protected landscapes, explore volcanic areas, observe wildlife and participate in guided outdoor activities.

The destination’s appeal reflects growing opportunities for tourism operators offering experiences beyond conventional beach holidays. Canadian visitors seeking warmer weather and greater variety may find Costa Rica particularly attractive.

Montego Bay, Jamaica – Caribbean Hospitality Supports Canadian Tourism

Montego Bay remains an established Caribbean holiday destination for Canadian travellers.

The Jamaican resort city offers beaches, hotels, golf courses, restaurants and access to cultural attractions across the island’s north coast.

Its tourism economy benefits from package holidays and airline connections serving Canadian leisure markets.

For travellers reconsidering American winter holidays, Montego Bay provides an alternative centred on Caribbean culture, music, food and coastal relaxation.

The destination is also well positioned for couples, families and groups seeking organised resort experiences.

However, while Jamaica remains an important Canadian holiday market, available evidence does not establish that Montego Bay’s visitor growth is directly attributable to the US–Canada trade dispute.

Maintaining competitive holiday prices, dependable air access and visitor confidence will be important to its future performance.

6. Los Cabos, Mexico – Luxury Resorts and Coastal Experiences Draw Attention

Los Cabos, at the southern end of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, offers a different holiday experience from the Caribbean coast.

The destination combines desert landscapes, Pacific scenery, luxury accommodation and outdoor recreation. Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo provide contrasting experiences, from lively waterfront entertainment to galleries and quieter resort surroundings.

FlightHub’s 2026 research recorded approximately 91.5% year-on-year booking growth for Los Cabos within its emerging destinations category

The destination appeals to Canadian couples, luxury travellers and holidaymakers seeking golf, marine excursions and premium hospitality.

Its established resort infrastructure creates opportunities to attract visitors reconsidering expensive American coastal holidays.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – Northern Coast Offers Greater Holiday Variety

Puerto Plata provides Canadian visitors with an alternative to the Dominican Republic’s better-known eastern resort region.

Located on the country’s northern Atlantic coast, the destination combines beaches, colonial architecture, mountain scenery and cultural experiences.

Visitors can explore the historic centre, enjoy excursions around the surrounding coastline and discover nearby communities such as Sosúa and Cabarete.

The region appeals to travellers seeking a mixture of resort relaxation and outdoor activities.

For Canadian travel companies, Puerto Plata broadens the Dominican Republic’s holiday offering beyond Punta Cana.

Although destination-specific booking growth linked to the trade dispute has not been established, the country’s strong Canadian visitor numbers demonstrate the importance of this market.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Cultural Tourism Expands Beyond Beach Holidays

Santo Domingo offers a city-focused alternative to the Caribbean’s traditional resort destinations.

The Dominican capital is known for its historic Colonial City, museums, restaurants, waterfront and cultural heritage.

FlightHub’s international booking data recorded a 161.8% increase for Santo Domingo, although this figure represents activity across its measured customer markets rather than a Canadian-only increase.

The destination provides opportunities for travellers interested in combining urban tourism with excursions to nearby coastal areas.

Its appeal also extends to business visitors and travellers visiting friends and relatives.

As Canadians explore alternatives to American city breaks, Santo Domingo offers a distinctive combination of history, Caribbean culture and metropolitan hospitality.

Mexico City, Mexico – Cultural Attractions Offer an Alternative to American City Breaks

Mexico City attracts travellers interested in museums, architecture, gastronomy, shopping and historic neighbourhoods.

The Mexican capital offers an urban experience distinct from the country’s beach destinations, making it relevant to Canadians seeking cultural holidays rather than conventional winter resorts.

Visitors can explore the historic centre, Chapultepec Park, major museums and neighbourhoods known for restaurants and galleries.

FlightHub included Mexico City among its more affordable international flight destinations from Canada in its 2026 analysis.

The city’s tourism appeal reflects the growing importance of cultural experiences and value-conscious international travel.

For Canadian visitors reconsidering American metropolitan holidays, Mexico City provides an established alternative with extensive hospitality infrastructure.

Nassau, Bahamas – Island Tourism Competes for Canadian Winter Travellers

Nassau remains an important Caribbean destination for visitors seeking beaches, resorts, marine activities and island culture.

The Bahamian capital combines historic streets, waterfront attractions and access to neighbouring Paradise Island.

FlightHub identified Nassau as the most affordable international destination in its Canadian airfare comparison, based on the platform’s observed fares during the research period. This does not mean Nassau is necessarily the cheapest destination when accommodation and other holiday expenses are included.

For Canadian holidaymakers, Nassau offers a relatively familiar sunshine holiday experience with Caribbean surroundings.

Its tourism operators can benefit from travellers seeking alternatives to Florida, particularly when competitive flight and accommodation packages are available.

Oranjestad, Aruba – Caribbean Sunshine Supports Strong Booking Growth

Aruba has become one of the standout destinations in FlightHub’s 2026 research.

The platform reported a 117.5% increase in bookings for Aruba within its emerging destinations category.

Oranjestad, the island’s capital, provides access to shopping, restaurants, cultural attractions and nearby beaches.

Aruba’s appeal also includes its generally warm climate, resort infrastructure and opportunities for water-based recreation.

For Canadian travellers seeking Caribbean holidays, the island offers an alternative to familiar American coastal destinations.

The increase in bookings indicates growing demand within FlightHub’s customer base, although the precise contribution of trade-related sentiment cannot be isolated.

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten – A Caribbean Island With International Appeal

Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten, offers a combination of Caribbean beaches, shopping, waterfront restaurants and maritime tourism.

The island’s distinctive Dutch and French cultural influences contribute to its appeal among international visitors.

FlightHub recorded 48.9% year-on-year booking growth for Philipsburg in its broader destination rankings.

Canadian travellers can combine beach holidays with excursions across the island, marine activities and local dining experiences.

The destination is particularly relevant to visitors seeking smaller Caribbean islands rather than large resort centres.

Its tourism businesses can strengthen their appeal through competitive accommodation, accessible transport and carefully designed visitor experiences.

Guatemala City, Guatemala – Heritage and Adventure Create New Tourism Opportunities

Guatemala City serves as an important gateway to the country’s cultural and natural attractions.

Travellers can explore the capital’s museums and restaurants before continuing to Antigua, Lake Atitlán or other destinations known for historic architecture and dramatic landscapes.

FlightHub reported 61.5% year-on-year booking growth for Guatemala City in its destination analysis, indicating rising demand across the platform’s measured markets.

The destination appeals to visitors interested in heritage, local culture, outdoor activities and multi-destination itineraries.

For Canadian tourists considering alternatives to conventional American holidays, Guatemala offers a different travel experience centred on exploration rather than resort accommodation.

Panama City, Panama – Modern Infrastructure Meets Historic Tourism

Panama City combines a modern business district with historic neighbourhoods, waterfront attractions and access to the Panama Canal.

The capital offers Canadian visitors opportunities to combine urban tourism with nature excursions and coastal holidays elsewhere in the country.

Its international airport also supports connections throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Travellers can explore Casco Antiguo, visit canal-related attractions and experience the city’s diverse restaurant scene.

Panama City’s combination of transport infrastructure and cultural attractions makes it a potential alternative to American metropolitan destinations.

However, specific evidence establishing increased Canadian arrivals because of the trade dispute remains limited.

Cartagena, Colombia – Caribbean Heritage Attracts Cultural Travellers

Cartagena is among South America’s best-known historic coastal destinations.

Its walled city, colourful streets, colonial architecture and Caribbean waterfront create opportunities for cultural tourism, boutique hospitality and leisure travel.

Canadian visitors can combine historic sightseeing with nearby island excursions and regional gastronomy.

However, FlightHub’s 2026 destination rankings showed a 4% decline in Cartagena’s popularity within the platform’s measured dataset.

Consequently, Cartagena should be described as an established destination with tourism potential rather than a confirmed beneficiary of the Canadian travel shift.

Its long-term appeal rests on heritage tourism, hospitality development and international accessibility.

San José, Costa Rica – Nature-Based Holidays Strengthen International Appeal

San José provides an urban gateway to Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanoes, wildlife reserves and outdoor tourism destinations.

Although many international visitors travel beyond the capital, the city plays an important role in connecting tourists with the country’s wider hospitality industry.

Costa Rica welcomed approximately 193,000 Canadian visits during the first quarter of 2026, the highest comparable first-quarter total recorded since at least 2018. Statistics Canada linked this performance partly to increased direct flight availability.

San José’s museums, markets and cultural attractions complement excursions into surrounding natural landscapes.

For Canadian travellers, Costa Rica offers opportunities to combine city experiences with wildlife observation, hiking and coastal relaxation.

Belize City, Belize – Adventure and Marine Tourism Offer Alternatives

Belize City serves as a gateway to Belize’s Caribbean islands, coral reefs and inland cultural attractions.

The country appeals to visitors interested in snorkelling, diving, Maya heritage and nature-based tourism.

FlightHub included Belize City among its ten most affordable international airfare destinations from Canada in its 2026 comparison.

Canadian travellers can use the city as a starting point for itineraries involving Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and mainland attractions.

Belize’s English-speaking environment may also appeal to some Canadian visitors.

While the country presents opportunities for tourism growth, available research does not establish a direct relationship between the trade dispute and increased Canadian visitor numbers.

Bridgetown, Barbados – Established Caribbean Tourism Appeals to Canadians

Bridgetown combines historic architecture, waterfront attractions and access to Barbados’ wider coastal tourism industry.

The island is known for beaches, restaurants, cultural festivals and a developed hospitality sector.

Canadian travellers can choose from luxury hotels, smaller accommodation properties and experiences centred on local food, history and marine recreation.

Bridgetown’s historic importance and Caribbean identity distinguish it from conventional American resort destinations.

For tourism operators, opportunities lie in promoting longer stays, cultural activities and competitive seasonal packages.

Barbados remains a recognised Canadian holiday market, although recent city-level growth specifically linked to the US–Canada trade dispute has not been verified.

Mazatlán, Mexico – Pacific Beaches and Cultural Heritage Support Tourism

Mazatlán offers a combination of Pacific beaches, historic architecture, seafood restaurants and waterfront recreation.

Located in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, the city has traditionally attracted winter visitors seeking warm weather and extended holidays.

Its historic centre and coastal promenade provide alternatives to destinations dominated by large resort complexes.

For Canadian travellers, Mazatlán offers opportunities for longer stays and locally focused tourism experiences.

However, travel decisions should account for current official safety advice, particularly because security conditions can vary across Sinaloa.

Mazatlán’s tourism prospects depend on visitor confidence, reliable air services and the continued availability of suitable accommodation.

Santiago, Chile – South American City Tourism Gains International Attention

Santiago offers Canadian travellers a South American city-break experience combining museums, restaurants, architecture and views of the Andes.

The Chilean capital also provides access to vineyards, mountain excursions and other destinations across central Chile.

FlightHub reported 146.4% year-on-year booking growth for Santiago in its broader international destination rankings. However, this figure should not be interpreted as Canadian-specific growth without further market segmentation.

Santiago appeals to travellers seeking longer international holidays and cultural experiences beyond the Caribbean.

Its established airport infrastructure and hospitality sector support multi-destination travel throughout Chile.

Airlines, Hotels and Tourism Boards Respond to Changing Canadian Travel Preferences

The redistribution of Canadian international travel presents opportunities for airlines, tour operators and destination marketing organisations.

FlightHub’s 2026 research identified particularly strong booking growth for Liberia, Aruba, Punta Cana and Los Cabos among its Canadian-market emerging destinations. The platform analysed booking, search and pricing activity from October 2025 to August 2026 against the corresponding previous period.

For airlines, these developments can influence route planning, seasonal capacity and holiday partnerships. Hotels and resorts may also benefit from promoting packages that offer predictable expenditure.

Nevertheless, tourism businesses must recognise that travellers are responding to multiple factors. Competitive prices, flight availability, safety and the quality of the visitor experience remain important alongside political considerations.

“The changing travel preferences of Canadian tourists represent an important opportunity for destinations across the Americas to showcase their distinctive tourism offerings. Cancún, Punta Cana, Montego Bay and other remarkable destinations are demonstrating how natural beauty, cultural diversity, warm hospitality and accessible holiday experiences can attract international visitors.

As Canadians explore alternatives to traditional United States holidays, Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica have an opportunity to strengthen their tourism economies and build lasting relationships with Canadian travellers. This evolving landscape also encourages airlines, hotels, tour operators and tourism boards to introduce innovative packages, improve connectivity and promote authentic local experiences.

What makes this development particularly encouraging is the growing recognition of destinations that offer memorable experiences beyond familiar travel routes. Greater regional tourism cooperation can support local communities, create employment opportunities and encourage sustainable growth while giving Canadian holidaymakers more rewarding choices across the Americas in the years ahead.” — Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Travel And Tour World

Canadian Travel Shift Signals Wider Changes Across the Americas

The US–Canada trade dispute is contributing to a broader reassessment of international travel among Canadian holidaymakers.

Statistics Canada recorded 14.27 million Canadian overseas visits in 2025, while its first-quarter 2026 figures showed overseas trips increasing by 6.2% year on year.

Mexico and the Dominican Republic remain important established markets, while Costa Rica, Aruba and other destinations are demonstrating measurable booking momentum.

Longwoods International found that, among Canadian travellers whose plans were influenced by US policies, 35% were replacing American trips with domestic Canadian travel, while 25% intended to visit another international destination.

This distinction matters because not every traveller avoiding the United States is choosing Latin America or the Caribbean.

For the tourism industry, the central opportunity is to convert changing travel interest into sustainable demand through competitive pricing, reliable connectivity and distinctive experiences. As Canadian travellers reassess their options, destinations across the Americas have an opportunity to strengthen their position in one of the region’s most important outbound tourism markets.

As Canadian travellers reconsider traditional US holidays, Cancún, Punta Cana, Montego Bay and other destinations across the Americas are gaining attention. From Mexico’s coastal resorts to Jamaica’s vibrant culture and Costa Rica’s natural landscapes, these alternatives offer diverse experiences, strengthening regional tourism opportunities amid changing international travel preferences.

Sources

• Statistics Canada – First Quarter 2026 Travel Survey
• Statistics Canada – Tourism Activity 2025
• Longwoods International – Canadian Travel Sentiment
• FlightHub – Unveiled 2026 Rankings