A political ripple crossed the border this week as Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford announced he would forgo his annual winter trip to Florida. The decision, framed as a personal one, quickly ignited a response from Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis.
Ford publicly stated concerns about Florida’s tourism industry, suggesting it was currently “hurting on all fronts.” This claim, however, sharply contrasted with official Florida tourism data, setting the stage for a pointed exchange.
DeSantis, known for his assertive online presence, swiftly countered Ford’s assessment. He highlighted Florida’s continued record-breaking tourism numbers, even boasting about recent Stanley Cup victories for the state’s NHL teams – a playful jab at Canada’s decades-long drought.
The numbers paint a clear picture: Florida isn’t struggling. In the first half of 2025 alone, the state welcomed 75.6 million visitors, a figure poised to surpass the 143 million recorded for all of 2024. While Canadian tourism has seen a slight dip, it’s been more than offset by visitors from other parts of the world.
Interestingly, Ford’s announcement came during a press conference focused on boosting tourism in Niagara Falls. While a popular destination, Niagara Falls attracts roughly 14 million visitors annually – a fraction of Florida’s staggering numbers. The contrast underscored a broader point about scale and impact.
Ford also urged Canadians not to let U.S. President Donald Trump influence their vacation plans, even referring to him as a “tyrant.” However, DeSantis’s response focused squarely on the economic reality: Florida is thriving, regardless of political rhetoric.
The situation reveals a curious dynamic. While political tensions may be prompting some Canadians to reconsider travel to the U.S., Florida appears to be weathering the storm, attracting visitors from diverse sources and maintaining its position as a premier travel destination.
Ultimately, the exchange highlights a disconnect in perspective. While some Canadians may feel a sense of moral satisfaction in avoiding Florida, the state’s tourism industry continues to flourish, seemingly unconcerned with being “shown” anything.
