Trump's Anti-Canada Rhetoric: A Chill Wind Blowing on NYC Tourism?

New York City, a magnet for international tourists, is feeling the sting of President Trump's hostile rhetoric towards Canada. Canadian visits, which brought in an estimated $600 million in 2024, are plummeting.

The impact is widespread. School trips, retiree excursions, honeymoons – all are being cancelled. Tour operators are reporting significant business losses. The decline isn't limited to NYC; border towns and cities across New York State are also suffering, as Canadian day-trippers stay home.

Matt Levy, owner of Spread Love Tours, predicts a 50% drop in Canadian bookings this year. He attributes this directly to the political climate, noting that "When you piss off a country and threaten to annex them, they are not going to want to travel here."

This tourism downturn threatens to significantly damage the city's and state's economies, further hindering their recovery from the pandemic.

The situation underscores the powerful impact of political rhetoric on international relations and economic stability. The potential long-term effects on NYC and New York State's tourism sector remain uncertain.