Decline in Canadian Tourism to New York State Amid Political Tensions

News Summary

Canadian tourism to New York State has significantly declined, primarily due to ongoing political tensions associated with President Trump’s tariff policies. Reports show a nearly 30% drop in Canadian visitors to Upstate New York in March 2025 compared to the previous year. Regions like Syracuse and Buffalo, which rely heavily on Canadian tourists for revenue, are feeling the impact. Local tourism officials are adjusting marketing strategies to focus more on domestic visitors as feedback reveals Canadians are less inclined to visit the U.S. due to political concerns.

SYRACUSE – A significant decline in Canadian tourism to New York State is underway, largely attributed to ongoing political tensions, notably related to President Trump’s tariff policies and comments regarding Canadian sovereignty. Tourism officials in Upstate New York report a stark drop in Canadian visitors, with March 2025 figures revealing that only approximately one million Canadians crossed into New York, marking a decrease of nearly 30% from the 1.4 million recorded in March 2024. Additionally, February 2025 saw a 17% reduction in Canadian visitation compared to February 2024.

The impact of this decline is being felt across various regions in Upstate New York. For instance, in the Syracuse area, Canadian tourists are responsible for about 10% to 15% of annual tourism revenue, translating to approximately $120 million a year. In a concerning trend, web traffic to the Visit Syracuse website from Canadian visitors has plummeted by 50% in 2025, which is alarming for local tourism officials.

Tourism bureaus are adapting their marketing strategies in response to these changes. With fewer inquiries coming from Canadian travelers and many of those inquiries yielding negative responses, local officials are shifting their focus to domestic markets, particularly targeting residents of New York City and Philadelphia. Patrick Kaler, president of Visit Buffalo Niagara, has indicated a similar trend, reporting a 17% decline in visits from Canadian tourists during March 2025.

The decline in interest is not limited to Syracuse and Buffalo. The Finger Lakes region, celebrated for sightseeing and winery tours, is experiencing a noticeable reduction in Canadian interest, prompting tourism officials to delay marketing efforts aimed at attracting visitors from Canada. Feedback from Canadians has illuminated concerns over tariffs and unsavory political comments suggesting that Canada might be viewed as the “51st state.”

Research conducted by Longwoods International highlights the scale of discontent, revealing that 60% of Canadians feel less inclined to visit the U.S. because of current political circumstances. Alarmingly, 36% of those who had planned to travel to the United States have canceled their trips outright. These statistics reflect a considerable shift in sentiment, with many Canadians expressing their grievances about tariffs and other political issues.

Efforts to engage Canadian tourists are being reassessed in light of the negative feedback tourism organizations are receiving. Kaler noted that his team had to suspend a digital and social media campaign that was initially designed to attract Canadian travelers due to the influx of unfavorable responses. Similarly, the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council has responded to the growing concerns regarding political statements that impact perceptions of Canadian sovereignty.

Despite the challenges posed by decreased Canadian tourism, some organizations are making an effort to adapt their messaging to better resonate with Canadian audiences. For example, the 1000 Islands Council is emphasizing shared attractions to foster a more positive perception among potential visitors from Canada.

The economic stakes are high for local communities, and the decline in Canadian tourism threatens to have substantial implications on the economies of Upstate New York. With Canadian tourists traditionally contributing significantly to local revenues, the need for alternative marketing strategies that focus on domestic tourism is becoming increasingly crucial. As officials navigate these turbulent waters, it remains to be seen how the evolving political climate will further impact tourism dynamics between Canada and New York.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

New York City’s Real Estate Market on the Rise
New Developments Shaping New York City’s Real Estate Landscape
New York’s Tourism Industry Faces Canadian Visitor Decline
New York City Faces Decline in International Flights
New York City Faces a Tourism Drought

Additional Resources

• OnlyInYourState: Building Like Hogwarts in NY
• Wikipedia: Tourism in the United States
• New York Upstate: Boldt Castle Video
• Google Search: Canadian tourism New York
• Livability: Unforgettable Experiences in the Thousand Islands
• Google Scholar: Politics and tourism Canada USA
• BlogTO: Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tourism
• I Love NY: Free and Low-Cost Things to Do in Thousand Islands
• Google News: Canadian tourism decline New York