U.S. Ski Resorts Brace for Drop in International Travel Due to Politics

For years, the world of social media has been dominated by “influencers” – individuals who build a dedicated following and promote products, frequently enough for a commission.But a new trend is emerging, one that seems to directly contradict the very foundation of influencer culture: “de-influencing.”

De-influencing, as the name suggests, involves creators actively discouraging their audience from purchasing certain products. Instead of showcasing the latest must-have items, de-influencers highlight products that aren’t worth the hype, share alternatives, or encourage mindful consumption.

why the Shift?

Several factors are driving this change.A growing awareness of overconsumption and its environmental impact is a major one. Many consumers,particularly younger generations like Gen Z,are becoming more conscious of their spending habits and the ethics of the brands they support.

“There’s a real fatigue with the constant push to buy more things,” says marketing analyst Sarah Miller. “People are starting to question whether they actually need all the products they’re being told to want.”

The backlash against fast fashion and the promotion of unrealistic lifestyles also play a role. De-influencers often call out brands for misleading marketing tactics or poor product quality, fostering a sense of authenticity that customary influencers sometimes lack.

What Does De-Influencing Look Like?

De-influencing takes many forms. Some creators post videos listing products they regret buying, while others share “dupes” – affordable alternatives to expensive items. Many focus on promoting a “less is more” philosophy, encouraging viewers to invest in quality pieces that will last rather than chasing fleeting trends.

TikTok has become a hotbed for de-influencing content, with hashtags like #deinfluencer and #buyitdontneedit gaining millions of views. Creators are using the platform to expose misleading product claims, share honest reviews, and advocate for more sustainable shopping habits.

Is it a Threat to Influencer Marketing?

While de-influencing may seem like a direct attack on the influencer industry, some experts believe it could actually be a healthy evolution.

“Authenticity is key in today’s market,” says social media strategist David chen. “Consumers are savvy and can spot inauthenticity a mile away. De-influencing, when done genuinely, can actually build trust and credibility with an audience.”

It’s likely that the future of influencer marketing will involve a more nuanced approach, with creators balancing sponsored content with honest recommendations and a commitment to responsible consumerism. The rise of de-influencing signals a shift in power – consumers are no longer passively accepting recommendations, they’re demanding openness and authenticity from the people they follow.

Ski Towns Feel the Chill of Trump-Era politics as International Visits Decline

the snow has finally started falling in the rockies and Pacific Northwest this week, including in Whitefish. But the ski industry is also bracing for a continued drop in international guests due to President Trump’s tariffs and his negative rhetoric about their countries.

Our friends from up north are welcome here

The Whitefish Mountain Resort, long known locally as big Mountain, sits about 60 miles south of the U.S.-Canada border and has historically gotten a quarter of its business from up north.

“We think of Canadians as our neighbors, and British Columbia and Alberta, we’re right here – we’re a border state,” says Zak Anderson, executive director of Explore Whitefish, the local resort chamber.

Montana state tourism officials have tracked about a 25% drop in Canadian visitors as Trump slapped steep tariffs on canada and suggested that it should become the 51st U.S.state. Locals are sad and frustrated.

“We don’t have a say in, you know, national politics,” Anderson says.

Canadian credit card spending is also down by 12% in Whitefish’s upscale boutiques, restaurants and hotels. It’s a big deal for a town with less than 10,000 people – and Anderson hopes Canadians will come back.

“You know, for a little community like ours, the message is, we’re here – we’re open for business,” he says.

This anxiety extends far beyond the American ski industry. The U.S. Travel Association is projecting that 5 million fewer international visitors will visit the United States this year.

“I don’t know if you’d call it a boycott, but definately a growing attitude of disenfranchisement maybe,” says Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International.

Longwoods, a tourism market research firm, has been surveying Canadians monthly since last winter. Most are citing U.S. politics like the tariffs and Trump’s rhetoric as the reason for canceling their trips.But nearly a majority have also consistently cited the weak Canadian dollar.

“you had many Canadian travelers that were already on

The Unexpected benefits of Boredom

We live in an age obsessed with productivity. Every moment is scheduled, optimized, and filled with stimulation. From back-to-back meetings to endless scrolling, we’re constantly doing. But what if I told you that embracing boredom could actually be good for you?

It sounds counterintuitive, but a growing body of research suggests that allowing yourself to be bored isn’t a waste of time – it’s a crucial ingredient for creativity, self-reflection, and overall well-being.

“Boredom gets a bad rap,” says Dr. Sandi Mann, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Central Lancashire. “We’re taught to avoid it at all costs. But boredom isn’t simply the absence of stimulation; it’s a state that actively prompts the brain to seek new things.”

When we’re bored, our minds aren’t blank.Instead,our brains enter a state called the “default mode network” (DMN). This network is responsible for daydreaming, mind-wandering, and autobiographical planning – essentially, thinking about ourselves and our future.

This internal exploration is where the magic happens. The DMN allows us to connect disparate ideas, solve problems creatively, and gain a deeper understanding of our own values and goals.

Think about some of history’s greatest breakthroughs. many occurred not during intense focus, but during moments of quiet contemplation – a walk in the woods, a long bath, or simply staring out the window.

“Boredom gives your brain a chance to reboot,” explains Dr. Mann. “It allows you to step back from the immediate demands of the present and consider the bigger picture.”

But in a world designed to eliminate downtime, how do we cultivate boredom? It’s simpler than you might think.

* Schedule unstructured time: Literally block off periods in your day where you have nothing planned.
* Disconnect from technology: Put down your phone, turn off the TV, and resist the urge to fill every moment with digital stimulation.
* Embrace mundane tasks: Allow yourself to be present during activities like washing dishes or commuting – without reaching for a distraction.
* resist the urge to fix boredom: Don’t immediately jump to fill the void. Let yourself sit with the discomfort.

It might feel uncomfortable at first. Our brains are wired to seek novelty. But with practice, you’ll find that boredom isn’t an enemy to be avoided, but a powerful tool for unlocking your potential and living a more meaningful life.

Montana Tourism Industry Courts Canadian Visitors Amidst Political Headwinds

Kalispell,MT – Tourism-dependent towns in Montana are actively working to lure back Canadian visitors following a period of decreased cross-border travel linked to political tensions and economic factors. Communities like Kalispell, near Whitefish and Glacier National Park, are launching incentive programs to offset the impact of thes challenges.

As 1912, the Kalispell Grand Hotel has traditionally welcomed Canadian guests. general Manager Mitchell Bump notes the historical meaning of Canadian tourism to the area. “Back in the day, it was kind of like the cowboys, you know, rugged people,” Bump says, reflecting on the long-standing connection.

Despite Flathead County’s strong support for Donald Trump in the 2020 election (65% voted for him), local businesses recognize the substantial economic risk posed by a decline in Canadian visitors. The local chamber of commerce has responded with a “Welcome Back Canada” initiative, offering Canadians a 20% discount on hotel rooms. Bump and his staff enthusiastically participated in the promotion.

“I’m a hotel manager, so, like, not really a politician. Our job is to take care of guests and keep rooms filled year-round, especially in shoulder season, and that’s really the lens I’m looking through,” Bump explains.

The recent downturn in Canadian tourism is linked to a complex interplay of factors. In 2023, Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. goods in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, impacting cross-border trade and travel. These tariffs were officially lifted in September 2023, but the impact on travel patterns remains.

Whitefish Mountain Resort is also navigating the uncertainty.Spokesman Chad Sokol notes that the initial impact of the tariffs occurred after the resort’s peak periods. “So our busy periods were already behind us at that point,” he said. Christmas week remains a critical period for the resort, and current bookings for the upcoming holidays appear strong.

However,the decrease in Canadian business has been partially offset by an increase in domestic tourism and Montana’s growing population since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, explore Whitefish Director Jan Anderson emphasizes the challenges of forecasting future demand.

“There’s so much uncertainty – it’s hard to know what’s going to happen,” Anderson says. “The political winds seem to be shifting on an hourly basis.” She also points out that domestic tourists are increasingly booking travel at the last minute,making it difficult for businesses to plan effectively.