An inn owner in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, is facing severe financial difficulties due to President Donald Trump’s rhetoric about Canada. Sterling Morse, who runs the Point of View Inn, stated that his business has seen a dramatic decline in customers from Canada, with cancellations accounting for around 90% of his clientele as of March 21, 2025.
- Inn owner reports drastic customer decline
- Canadian tourists cancel trips due to Trump
- Anger over tariffs and rhetoric justified
- French Canadian clientele significantly reduced
- Business closure or sale may be imminent
The Point of View Inn has been a popular destination for Canadian tourists who often return year after year. However, Morse explained that this season has seen a significant shift. Many French Canadian visitors have opted to stay away due to their dissatisfaction with Trump’s remarks about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state and ongoing trade tensions characterized by fluctuating tariffs.
Morse noted that this trend is not isolated but part of a larger pattern affecting tourism from Canada to the U.S., driven by political sentiment. The impact on his business includes:
- 90% decrease in reservations from Canadian tourists.
- Long-time customers cancelling stays.
- Persistent uncertainty regarding future operations and potential closure.
As Morse faces these challenges, he expressed concern over the possibility of having “no choice” but to close or sell the inn if the situation does not improve. This highlights how political discourse can have tangible effects on local economies reliant on tourism.
The situation at the Point of View Inn underscores broader economic implications stemming from political statements and policies. As Morse navigates through these challenges, it reflects a growing concern among businesses dependent on cross-border tourism.
