New York border visits by Canadians dwindling under Trump strategic differences
In July 2021, New York's tourism industry faced a significant challenge as the number of Canadian visitors decreased, affecting various attractions and businesses across the state.
Governor Kathy Hochul reported a significant decrease in Canadian visitors to attractions like Canal Side in Buffalo. Meanwhile, Explore & More, a children's museum in Buffalo, saw a drastic drop from 1,400 to 40 Canadian visitors per month.
The decrease in Canadian tourists was reflected in the border crossings data, with a 22% drop from 1.7 million crossings in July 2021 compared to the previous year.
The economic effects of this decrease were particularly felt in Western New York, where Canadian tourists contribute 35% to 40% of its tourism revenue.
Mark Dorr, president of the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, observed that in July 2021, New York's hotel occupancy was flat compared to the previous year, while the average daily rate was up 4%.
This trend was not unique to New York City. Schumer stated that Upstate NY's Main Streets are paying the price for Trump's tariffs with higher costs and fewer tourists. New York City is also expecting a 10% decrease in Canadian visitors.
The economic harm from the trade war comes at a time when New York's tourism industry is nearing a return to pre-pandemic levels. The current Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, expressed concerns about the impact of President Trump's trade war on New York's tourism industry in June 2021.
The cost of raw materials for agriculture and production in New York has significantly increased due to new import tariffs. This, coupled with the unfavourable exchange rate of $1 = $1.38 Canadian, has led many Canadians to choose to vacation in Canada instead of New York.
A Pew Research Center survey in July found that 34% of Canadians have a favourable opinion of the U.S., a historic low. 59% of Canadians view the U.S. as their largest threat, and 77% view the U.S. as a threat to Canada's economy.
The trade tensions between the two countries have a long history, with the War of 1812 seeing American forces raid Niagara-on-the-Lake and British forces retaliating by burning Buffalo.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer decried the effects of Trump's trade war on New York's tourism industry in June 2021, and the current situation continues to be a concern for many in the industry. John Thune became Senate Majority Leader later in January 2025.
