SCOOP: Newsom launches campaign to entice reluctant Canadians to visit California amid Trump tariff push

California Gov. Gavin Newsom again makes international plea to global trade partner amid President Donald Trump's tariff push.

US President Donald Trump (C) approaches reporters to speak, flanked by First Lady Melania Trump (R) and California Governor Gavin Newsom, upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, on January 24, 2025, to visit the region devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires.  (MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Newsom's office said that since Trump took office, tourism has dropped significantly to levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism from Canada, which brought in 1.8 million tourists last year and $3.72 billion in revenue, dropped 12% in February compared to last year, with that percentage expected to rise as tariffs remain in place.

The $5.2 million campaign is part of Visit California's annual marketing investment in Canada, according to Newsom's office.

Newsom, who has been rumored to be eyeing a 2028 presidential bid, also met with British Columbia Premier David Eby Monday to discuss opportunities for expanding California's partnership with Canada. The two politicians discussed ways to partner in the lumber industry, national transportation corridors and housing, a Newsom official said.

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Newsom's virtual meeting with British Columbia Premier David Eby on Monday. (Gavin Newsom's Press Office)

While Trump has quipped that Canada could become the "51st state," the U.S. remains Canada’s largest trading partner, supplying nearly two-thirds of its imports and buying over 70% of its exports. Under Trump’s new tariff rates, 25% has been levied on Canadian goods. 

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Vancouver-based Travel Group reported a 90% drop in future bookings, according to a report from Politico this week. Ottawa’s Travac Tours canceled all U.S. trips through July, while Maple Leaf Tours, based in Kingston, Ontario, has seen its business dip 70% to 80%.

In mid-March, Canada issued reciprocal tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods.

Jamie Joseph is a U.S. Politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering transgender and culture issues, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, and stateside legislative developments.

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