Arizona’s Snowbird Market Remains Strong Despite Challenges in Canadian Tourism, Get the Details Here

Published on December 6, 2025

Despite the ongoing U.S. travel boycott from many Canadian tourists, one group of visitors stays true to states like Arizona: the snowbirds. These long-term travelers, usually Canadians looking for warmth during their cold winters, are still booking flights to the American Southwest, while the general tourism of Canadians to the U.S. sees a big decline. In this article, we look at why Canadian snowbirds still head to Arizona and what this means for the state’s economy and its tourism industry.

The Decline of Canadian Tourism and Its Impact on U.S. States

Since 2025, there has been a noticeable decline in Canadian tourism to the United States. According to data from Longwoods International, 80% of Canadians who canceled their U.S. travel plans cited economic policies, tariffs, and political tensions as major factors. President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about Canada, including his “51st state” comment, and the tariff wars have soured the relationship between the two nations and dampened the enthusiasm of Canadian travelers heading south.

Additionally, the weaker Canadian dollar and new entry requirements imposed by U.S. authorities, such as the registration of Canadian travelers staying longer than 30 days, have made U.S. visits less appealing to many Canadians. For these reasons, overall tourism from Canada to the U.S. has dropped, with fewer visitors making the journey to popular destinations like Florida and Arizona.

The Resilient Canadian Snowbirds in Arizona

While the broader tourism industry has been impacted, Canadian snowbirds—those who stay for 31 days or more—remain a steady presence in Arizona, continuing to flock to the state during the winter months. Arizona has long been a top destination for Canadians seeking a reprieve from the harsh winter weather, and despite the political and economic challenges, many snowbirds are still making the journey.

The numbers reflect this resilience. Despite an overall 20% drop in Canadian tourism, the number of snowbirds heading to Arizona is expected to remain relatively stable. Glenn Williamson, founder of the Canada Arizona Business Council, predicts that the snowbird market will remain largely unaffected by the broader decline in tourism, and that many Canadians will continue visiting Arizona despite the ongoing tensions.

Why Snowbirds Stick with Arizona: Real Estate and Lifestyle Ties

One of the key reasons Canadian snowbirds continue to flock to Arizona is their strong ties to the state. Many have established second homes in Arizona, investing in real estate over the years. These snowbirds are reluctant to sell their properties due to high capital gains taxes imposed by Canada, which makes it financially disadvantageous to liquidate their investments. Instead, many snowbirds maintain their properties and use them as long-term retreats, sometimes passing them on to younger generations.

This connection to real estate in Arizona creates a unique dynamic. Many younger snowbirds are also beginning to use their parents’ homes, ensuring that the family ties to Arizona remain intact. These snowbirds are not just temporary visitors; they are deeply integrated into the local community and economy, contributing to Arizona’s tourism sector and driving a significant amount of revenue to the state.

Economic Contribution of Canadian Snowbirds to Arizona

The economic impact of Canadian snowbirds on Arizona is substantial. According to estimates from the Canada Arizona Business Council, Canadian snowbirds inject approximately $1.4 billion annually into the state’s economy. This figure is on top of the $1 billion generated by regular tourists. The money spent by snowbirds flows into various sectors of the Arizona economy, including real estate, hospitality, dining, transportation, and retail.

Snowbirds’ contributions are not limited to their direct spending. Many snowbirds own businesses, contribute to local employment, and participate in community activities. In short, snowbirds are a vital part of Arizona’s tourism economy, and their continued presence is crucial for the state’s financial health.

Challenges Faced by Arizona’s Tourism Industry

While snowbirds remain loyal, Arizona’s broader tourism industry is feeling the effects of the decline in Canadian visitors. The drop in tourist arrivals has affected hotels, resorts, restaurants, and attractions that rely heavily on Canadian visitors. According to Joshua Coddington, a spokesperson for the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT), any reduction in Canadian visitors will be felt across the state, impacting everything from airlines to local businesses.

The issue has become particularly noticeable at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where fewer Canadian passengers have been arriving. Airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, and Flair Airlines have all reported decreased passenger numbers on flights between Phoenix and Canada, further contributing to the challenges faced by the state’s tourism sector.

Arizona’s Efforts to Keep Snowbirds Coming

In response to the downturn in Canadian tourism, Arizona is actively working to maintain its relationship with snowbirds and attract new visitors. Efforts include promoting Arizona as a year-round destination for both business and leisure travelers. The state is also focusing on expanding its sports tourism sector and increasing cultural offerings to appeal to a broader audience.

To address the challenges in air travel, Arizona is working with airline partners to ensure that key routes between Phoenix and Canada remain accessible. Furthermore, some airlines, like Porter Airlines, are optimistic about the future and have introduced new seasonal routes to strengthen the connections between Canada and Arizona.

The Future of Canadian Snowbird Tourism in Arizona

While 2025 may have seen a decline in Canadian tourism to Arizona, experts believe that snowbird visits will continue to remain strong. The enduring appeal of Arizona’s warm climate, luxurious resorts, and close ties to Canadian families will keep snowbirds coming back year after year.

As the political and economic landscape evolves, it is possible that Canadian tourism to the U.S. will recover, and Arizona will continue to be a prime destination for travelers from Canada. However, the state will need to remain adaptable, ensuring that it can weather future challenges and continue to attract snowbirds and other international visitors.

Arizona’s Resilient Snowbird Market

Despite an overall decline in Canadian tourism to the U.S., Arizona’s snowbird market is a resilient and valued segment that cannot be ignored. With ties to real estate, substantial integration into the community, and a respectable contribution to the economy, Canadian snowbirds will continue to play a vital role in Arizona’s tourism industry. The snowbirds will likely remain a crucial part of this state’s sector in tourism as Arizona approaches the changing face of tourism to continue growing and succeeding.