'Terrible setback': Indigenous tourism industry says it's suffering as U.S. bookings decline

Indigenous tourism operators in Canada say they're worried about their future as the number of American guests plummets amid political tensions between Canada and the U.S.

Indigenous tourism has been booming in Canada in recent years as people look for unique travel experiences and seek to learn more about Indigenous culture.

According to the Conference Board of Canada's latest report, the Indigenous tourism sector generated an estimated $3.7 billion in revenues in 2023, directly contributing $1.6 billion to Canada's gross domestic product.

The industry is warning hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars are now at stake.

Dean Werk, the Métis owner of Great River Fishing Adventures, which operates on the Fraser River in B.C., said his business has lost about $250,000 this season since U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war began.

"It's a terrible setback," he said. "This is actually tragic and terribly impactful to all Indigenous tourism businesses in Canada."

Werk is not alone. In April, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada surveyed about 100 Indigenous tourism operators that market to American clients. Nearly 70 per cent reported a drop in U.S. bookings.

Association president and CEO Keith Henry said American tourists account for up to 35 per cent of overall revenue for Indigenous tourism operators.

"Hundreds of jobs, if not thousands of jobs, are at stake here, if the season does continue to see declines," Henry said.

He estimated the industry could lose as much as $500 million this summer.

"We've been building Indigenous tourism and we've been focusing on the U.S. market … for many years," Henry said, adding that the U.S. is the sector's largest international market.

"It's such an important market for us."

Talaysay Campo, co-owner of Talaysay Tours, which offers nature walks, among other experiences around B.C., said U.S. corporate groups totalling about 1,000 guests have cancelled bookings for this summer.

"We've been building these relationships for the past 21 years, and to see them go, it makes me sad," she said.