US Tourism Takes a Hit: Canadians Stay Away
The time heals all wounds adage is no longer working for Canadian travelers who are increasingly turning away from the United States. According to tourism economics, US international inbound travel fell 25.2% year-to date with a 37% drop in car related arrivals in July alone. This trend mirrors growing concerns over US economic policies and tariffs which have become a major barrier for Canadians seeking vacations. As air Alon CEO of Longweights International noted, Canadians were already worried about their finances, but they’ve taken the rhetoric and policy announcements from the US administration very personally. A staggering 80% of travelers say US tariffs and economic policies are the biggest negative factor in their decisions, up from 64% in April, according to Longwood’s mid July survey. Things have gone from bad to worse, Alon said as Canadians now prioritize domestic destinations or international flights to places like Mexico, the Caribbean, and Western Europe. The US Travel Association calls the $250 visa integrity fee, part of President Trump’s tax plan, a misguided charge that will raise entry costs by 130% as cities prepare for global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. The fee, which applies to non-immigrant visas for travel to the US, including visitors from China, Mexico, and Brazil, has sparked debate over its impact on tourism. Meanwhile, destinations across the US, are adjusting their strategies, with some forecasting a 10% drop in international visitors for the fall. In Boston, the US tourist board is launching winter campaigns to Mexico and Canada, while Rochester, just 90 minutes from the Canadian border, sees 12% to 15% of visitors coming from Canada. For Canadians, the decline in US tourism is particularly felt in northern cities like Seattle, Portland, and Detroit, where international visitors are expected to drop by 27%, 18%, and 17% respectively. We typically like to be at the top of lists, but not this one, said Visit Seattle’s chief strategy officer, Michael Woody. Despite the dip, Seattle is thriving with domestic visitors and summer concerts, though the return of Canadian tourists remains uncertain. In Portland, tourism has remained flat, but officials are adopting a wait andsee approach to reaching out to Canadian visitors. Florida, meanwhile, is bucking the trend, reporting a 5% increase in visitors in Q2 2025 with 34.4 million visitors, including 640,000 Canadians. a 20% drop and 2.3 million overseas visitors, 11.4% rise. Governor Ron DeSantis praised Florida’s attractions, weather, and safety. While Tripshock founder Greg Fiser expressed surprise at rising numbers, noting that many visitors are still unclear about their destinations. The debate over the visa fee highlights a broader tension between economic policies and tourism. As the US prepares for global events, the question remains, will the cost of visiting the country remain a barrier, or will travelers find alternative ways to experience the world? While some argue the fee is a necessary expense, others see it as a costly distraction from the real issues affecting international travel.
The number of Canadian tourists visiting the US has dropped significantly due to concerns over US policies and politics.
Canadian travelers are choosing to stay within their own country or visit other nations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and Western Europe instead.
This decline in tourism is not only affecting the US but also having a ripple effect on the global tourism industry.
In this video, we’ll explore the reasons behind this decline and what it means for the future of US tourism.
We’ll also look at how some US cities are trying to win back Canadian tourists and what other countries are doing to attract them.