by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 8:25 AM ET, Mon September 14, 2026
Destinations International President & CEO Don Welsh is among six U.S. industry leaders who have signed an open letter acknowledging the frustration and uncertainty Canadians are feeling, including the impact the current political climate may have on decisions to travel to the United States or do business with U.S. organizations.
Rather than suggesting the industry carry on as though nothing has changed, the leaders acknowledge that “tense rhetoric and public policy have consequences,” while arguing that travel has an important role to play in keeping Canadians and Americans connected.
TravelPulse Canada is sharing the letter in full below, unchanged:
To Our Canadian Colleagues, Partners and Friends:
For generations, the relationship between Canada and the United States has been defined by far more than a shared border. It has been built on friendship, mutual respect, common interests and countless connections among our people, businesses and communities.
The escalating rhetoric, trade disputes and tariffs between our countries have created understandable frustration, uncertainty and anger. It goes without saying these are trying and challenging times between Canada and the United States.
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As leaders of organizations representing the travel, tourism, meetings, events and association communities, we want to say something clearly to our Canadian colleagues: We value you. We appreciate you. And we remain committed to our partnership with you.
We understand that the current environment may influence how Canadians view travel to the United States or engagement with U.S. organizations. We respect those concerns and do not suggest that it should simply be business as usual. Tense rhetoric and public policy have consequences. They affect businesses, communities and decisions about where people travel, where organizations meet and with whom they do business.
We also believe that those of us who value the U.S.-Canada relationship should not remain silent.
Travel has an especially important role to play. Our industry brings people together across borders, cultures and political differences. It reminds us that international relationships are ultimately human relationships. Every visit, meeting, convention, sporting event and professional exchange creates an opportunity for greater understanding.
At a moment when policy disagreements may be pushing our countries apart, we should be working even harder to keep people connected.
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As citizens, industry leaders and employers, we are committed to using our collective voices to speak out for respectful dialogue, open exchange and a return to the positive, stable and mutually beneficial partnership that has served both countries so well.
While our organizations cannot determine the priorities of either government or resolve disagreements between elected leaders, we can determine how we treat one another, how we conduct our business and how we protect relationships built over decades.
The purpose of this communication is to express the unity and appreciation from your colleagues in the United States who have the greatest respect, admiration and appreciation for the friendship, support and business that Canada provides to all visitors to your great country.
To our Canadian members, partners and colleagues: thank you for your trust, your business, your partnership and, most importantly, your friendship. Political disagreements may strain the relationship between our governments, but they do not change our commitment to you.
Our organizations will be convening several important meetings in Canada in coming weeks that will provide ample time to meet and discuss how we can lean on one another during these challenging times.
On behalf of all your friends in the United States who have the privilege of leading global organizations, please know that we stand in great unity and respect for all our partners in Canada.
Best regards and look forward to seeing you in the coming months.
Don Welsh
President & CEO
Destinations International (DI)
Amy Calvert
President & CEO
Events Industry Council (EIC)
Sherrif Karamat, CAE
President & CEO
PCMA and CEMA
Paul van Deventer
President & CEO
Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAiP
President & CEO
American Society for Association Executives (ASAE)
John David, STS
President & CEO
Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA)
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