‘I don’t blame you’: U.S. tourism hot spots mourn Canadian travel cancellations
For over two decades, Matt Levy has been running Spread Love Tours in New York City, providing visitors with guided tours of all the major landmarks in the city. One of his biggest sources of business has always been Canadian high school groups, making up a significant portion of his annual earnings. However, this year has been a stark contrast, with barely any Canadian bookings and frequent cancellations.
Levy has noticed a significant drop in Canadian customers, attributing it to President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions of annexing Canada as the 51st state, along with his controversial trade policies and tariffs. The strained relationship between the U.S. and Canada has led to a decline in tourism, with Canadians publicly declaring their decision to cancel trips to the U.S.
The impact of this decline is not only felt by Levy and his tour company, but across the entire U.S. tourism industry. Major destinations like Palm Springs, California, and states like Florida and Arizona, where Canadians are a top source of tourism revenue, are feeling the effects of fewer Canadian visitors. Business owners in Wildwood, New Jersey, a popular Canadian summer destination, are working on new messaging to reassure their Canadian friends that they are always welcome.
Despite the current tensions between the two countries, Levy remains hopeful that Canadians will eventually return to New York City. He believes that the city’s distinct identity and separation from American politics will eventually draw Canadian visitors back. In the meantime, businesses like the Quebec Motel in Wildwood are holding onto the hope that the longstanding bond between Canada and the U.S. will prevail.
As the U.S. economy grapples with the decline in Canadian tourism, there is a sense of optimism that the relationship between the two countries will eventually be resolved. Levy and other business owners are eager for the day when Canadian visitors will once again grace the streets of New York City and other popular U.S. destinations.
