U.S. tourism facing self-inflicted wounds, causing frustration and discontent among certain Americans
In the past few months, a notable shift in travel patterns has been observed, with many Canadians opting to boycott U.S. trips and American-made products. This decision has led to a significant drop in tourism, particularly in cities like Seattle and Las Vegas.
According to recent data, there were approximately 90,200 fewer airline seats available for travel from Canada to the U.S. between April 1 and June 30, compared to the same quarter last year. This decrease in travel has had a substantial impact on cities like Seattle, where more than a quarter of its international visitors are expected to stay away this year.
The absence of Canadians has been felt acutely in Seattle's streets during the summer, with local tour operators like Joe Koenen, who runs Seattle Free Walking Tours, reporting a 30% decrease in customers this year. Koenen, who took over the tour company in 2021, is facing unprecedented challenges this year, having to dip into his own savings to keep the business afloat.
Similarly, Seattle tour operator John Brink of Tasty Tours has seen a 50% drop in Canadian customers. Across the border, Adam Duford, owner of Surf City Tours in Santa Monica, California, has reported a 49% decrease in revenue this year due to various factors, including geopolitical forces, catastrophic wildfires, and misinformation.
The tourism industry in Las Vegas and Nevada more broadly has been hit hard by the decline in Canadian tourists. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, overall visitor volume is down 8% compared to the same period last year. The industry has sought larger government support for brand building as a U.S. tourism destination, citing a 55% drop in Canadian tourists, contributing to an overall 13% decline in international visitors in mid-2025.
The World Travel and Tourism Council has projected that the United States will lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending in 2025, making it the only country out of 184 economies analysed that will see a decline this year.
However, there may be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. With the FIFA World Cup scheduled for 2026, Seattle and Vancouver, the second-closest geographical grouping of any of the FIFA host cities, have aligned match schedules to attract spectators. Woody, a Seattle-based tour operator, believes that this collaboration could present an opportunity to turn the tide and attract visitors back to the city.
In conclusion, the decline in Canadian tourism has had a significant impact on U.S. cities, particularly Seattle and Las Vegas. However, with strategic collaborations and government support, there is hope for a recovery in the tourism industry in the coming years.
