How Is Canada Tourism Boycott Affecting US Travel After Trump’s Threat to Make It the 51st State?

Canada’s growing tourism boycott is already hitting US travel hard, with major economic consequences, particularly in New York and border cities. Following President Trump’s repeated threats to make Canada the 51st state, a surge in cancellations is costing billions, with projections of 2 million fewer Canadian visitors, $2.1 billion in lost spending, and 14,000 job losses across the US. As Canadian tourists—who contribute $20.5 billion annually—cancel trips in protest, businesses that rely on them, from hotels to retailers, are feeling the impact, threatening a key pillar of America’s tourism industry.

Canada’s tourism boycott of the United States is already having major economic consequences, particularly in New York City, where Canadian visitors contribute significantly to the local economy. Following President Donald Trump’s remarks about making Canada the 51st state, many Canadians are canceling their trips, sparking concerns about broader economic fallout.

Canada’s Critical Role in US Tourism

Canada is the top source of international visitors to the United States. In 2024, 20.4 million Canadians visited the US, spending $20.5 billion and supporting 140,000 American jobs, according to the US Travel Association.

However, with Trump’s tariffs on Canada and inflammatory rhetoric, travel experts warn that a 10% drop in Canadian visitation could result in:

• 2 million fewer visits from Canadian tourists.
• $2.1 billion in lost spending across the US economy.
• 14,000 job losses in the American tourism industry.

Given that New York City alone received over 1 million Canadian visitors last year, contributing $600 million to the local economy, the impact of a continued boycott could be severe.

Mass Cancellations Across Travel Sectors

The effects of this backlash are already apparent. Canadians, who have historically traveled to the US in large numbers, are now canceling trips en masse:

• School groups: Over a dozen Canadian high schools have notified travel organizers that they are scrapping their annual New York City trips.
• Senior citizen bus tours: Travac Tours, an Ottawa-based company specializing in retiree travel, had planned to send 16 coach buses to New York in 2024. However, since Trump imposed tariffs on Canada earlier this month, not a single booking has been made.
• Family vacations: Many Canadians who had planned multiple trips to the US this year are now choosing alternative destinations, including domestic Canadian locations, Europe, and Mexico.

Why Are Canadians Boycotting US Travel?

The sudden shift in travel sentiment is fueled by Trump’s escalating hostility toward Canada, including:

• His remarks about making Canada the 51st state, which have angered Canadians across the political spectrum.
• New tariffs on Canadian goods, creating economic uncertainty.
• His claim that the US-Canada border is an “artificial line”, sparking fears of increased political tensions.

These actions have led to widespread calls to boycott US-made products and avoid American vacations, a movement that is quickly gaining traction.

Economic Impact on Border Towns and US Businesses

While New York City will suffer a major hit, border cities and towns that rely on Canadian visitors for shopping, dining, and entertainment could be hit even harder.

Cities like Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Plattsburgh see a steady stream of Canadians making day trips to shop at US retailers, fill up on cheaper gas, and visit local attractions. A sharp decline in cross-border tourism would mean significant losses for local businesses that depend on these visitors.

Could the Boycott Extend Into 2026?

Tourism industry experts warn that the boycott could last well into 2026 and beyond if diplomatic tensions between the US and Canada remain unresolved.

Although New York City had 64.3 million total visitors in 2024—including 51.3 million domestic travelers—international tourists typically spend more per visit than domestic tourists. Among international visitors, only British travelers outnumbered Canadians last year.

Notably, Canadian tourism to New York had already surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2024, despite a weaker Canadian dollar. Approximately 16,000 more Canadians visited New York last year compared to 2019, signaling strong demand before this political fallout.

Canada’s tourism boycott, sparked by Trump’s threats to make it the 51st state, is dealing a major blow to US travel, with cancellations surging and businesses bracing for losses. With billions in spending and thousands of jobs at risk, the decline in Canadian visitors is already disrupting key tourism hubs like New York and border cities.

Is US Tourism Facing a Long-Term Crisis?

If the boycott gains momentum, it could stall post-pandemic tourism recovery across the United States, particularly in states and cities that heavily rely on Canadian visitors.

With millions of lost visits, billions in lost spending, and thousands of potential job losses, Trump’s rhetoric and trade policies may have triggered one of the most significant international tourism declines in recent years.

Unless tensions ease, Canada’s message is clear—their travel dollars will stay home or go elsewhere.