Published Apr 13, 2025 • Last updated 11 hours ago • 1 minute readA sailboat cruises past downtown Halifax last June. A Narrative Research poll found that 66 per cent of Halifax residents said they would be “as welcoming” to American tourists this season and nine per cent said they’d be “more welcoming.” Photo by Ryan Taplin /Ryan TaplinHowever the feelings about trade-war threats, the vast majority of Haligonians won’t be holding a grudge against American visitors.A Narrative Research poll released Friday found that 66 per cent of Halifax residents said they would be “as welcoming” to American tourists this season and nine per cent said they’d be “more welcoming.”“The strong relationship between Canada and the United States has deep roots here, and American visitors play a key role in the tourism economy of our region, supporting local businesses and communities,” said Ross Jefferson, president and CEO of Discover Halifax, which sponsored the poll.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“We are delighted to see these results and no matter the global landscape, we hope Halifax remains a place where visitors will always feel welcome.”The online poll of 400 residents conducted between March 4 and 9, when tensions were arguably at a higher point than they are now, found that 23 per cent would be “less welcoming.”Due to its methodology, the poll does not have a margin of error.“Personally, I look at Americans as our cousins – they’re family and we treat them like that,” said Lem Smith, general manager of Halifax Tour Guys.The company provides custom guided tours in sedans and minivans across the province.Seventy per cent of their customers are Americans.Despite concerns about a looming recession and recent tensions, bookings from the United States are so far on par with last year.“The problem isn’t with the people,” said Smith.“In booking with us, I get emails from Americans apologizing for their political leadership and they’re embarrassed.”Article content
Nova Scotians aren’t holding a grudge against American tourists: poll
