Shift Your Strategy, Fill Your Calendar.

I just read an article from Rent Responsibly that’s worth a look—it's about the noticeable drop in Canadian travelers booking vacation rentals in the U.S. this year. Bookings are down by about 21%, which translates to over 1,200 fewer reservations compared to last year.

This shift seems to be driven by the strong U.S. dollar and some political tension, which is making Canadians more cautious about traveling to the States. If you usually rely on Canadian guests, this could be showing up in your numbers already.

But the article offers some great tips on how to respond proactively. Here are a few takeaways I think are especially valuable:

Review your booking trends. See how much of your business typically comes from Canada and whether domestic or other international guests are picking up the slack. This can help you adjust your strategy.

Connect with local tourism boards. DMOs often have insights, promotional opportunities, and partnerships that can help you reach new markets. If you’re not already in touch with them, now’s a great time to start.

Diversify your marketing efforts. It’s a good moment to expand your reach beyond Canada. Try targeting more domestic travelers or other international markets through updated social content, ads, or email campaigns.

Adjust pricing or offer value adds. With travelers being more cost-conscious, consider discounts for longer stays or seasonal offers. The article mentions how Disney has offered to honor the Canadian dollar at par—obviously a big move, but even smaller gestures can make a difference.

Stay neutral in your messaging. Avoid political content in your marketing, as it may unintentionally deter guests. Keep your tone welcoming and inclusive.

Overall, while the drop in Canadian travelers may feel discouraging, it’s also an opportunity to strengthen other areas of your business and reach new audiences. If you’d like help brainstorming ideas or shifting your messaging, I’d be happy to chat more.

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