Post by : Meena Ariff

Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis has swiftly addressed Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s choice to forgo his annual winter visit to Florida due to escalating trade disputes. Ford referred to tariffs on Ontario’s automotive and steel industries, though he mentioned he wouldn’t dictate this decision for others.

Highlighting Florida's robust tourism trajectory and notable sports victories, DeSantis pointed out the Florida Panthers' two consecutive Stanley Cup wins in 2024 and 2025, contrasting this with Toronto's absence from victory since 1967.

According to Visit Florida data, while Canadian visitation saw a slight decline in 2025, total tourism surged, with American visitors accounting for 91% of arrivals and a remarkable 11.4% increase from international travelers compared to the prior year.

Ford has urged Ontario residents to consider staying home to bolster local businesses, reaffirming that personal choices should remain unaffected by political influences.

“If families have a tradition of visiting Florida, they should continue to do so. That’s wonderful,” Ford stated. “However, I encourage everyone to explore local options. Don’t let one ‘tyrant’ dictate your travel decisions.”

#Political News #Canada News #World News