OCTOBER 2025:

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Hug it out? Canada is ready to welcome Americans again - USA TODAY

Canadian destinations and the national tourism organization are actively signaling that Americans are welcome again after a period of political tension, tariffs, and dampened sentiment. Leaders like Destination Canada’s Gloria Loree emphasize renewed confidence and hospitality, noting that “highly engaged guests” who stay longer and spend more are up year over year. At the same time, spending and visit trends remain uneven: U.S. inbound travel spending was forecast to fall to 173 billion USD with significantly fewer Canadian visits cited as a primary driver, while international visitors spent 126.9 billion USD in the first half of 2025. Canadians still represent one of the most loyal inbound markets to the U.S., with about 20 million visits in 2024 generating 20.5 billion USD, and American travelers contributed 15.4 billion CAD (about 11 billion USD) to Canada’s 2024 tourism economy. A central barrier is perception—American travelers ask whether they will feel welcome in Canada, and Canadian operators observed hesitancy linked to tariffs and trade rhetoric. Operators like Toni Kearney in Newfoundland saw bookings soften during prime windows but rebound later as Americans extended autumn travel; she affirmed that visitors of all backgrounds are welcome and their participation is vital to local economies.

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SEPTEMBER 2025:

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U.S. Lost 3 Million Of Its Most Sustainable Tourists This Summer - Forbes

There has been a significant decline in Canadian travel to the United States during the summer of 2025, with over 3 million fewer trips compared to the previous year. Most of these were short-haul, repeat visits by car—historically a sustainable and predictable source of tourism for border states like New York, Michigan, and Washington. The drop in Canadian visitors led to an estimated $2.83 billion loss in U.S. tourism revenue over just three months, with New York and Michigan alone losing over $560 million and $515 million in direct spending, respectively. The article emphasizes how cross-border tourism is not only an economic engine but also a vital link for cultural exchange and regional prosperity. The fragility of this tradition, exposed by recent declines, highlights the urgent need for cooperation between U.S. and Canadian policymakers, industry leaders, and advocacy groups like the Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition (BBTC).

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The cost of an unwelcoming border - Travel Weekly

Arnie Weissmann’s article explores the far-reaching consequences of the U.S. adopting a more suspicious and restrictive approach to border control since 9/11. The piece details how negative experiences at U.S. borders, amplified by policies such as maximum vetting, increased visa costs, and high-profile detentions, have created a climate of fear and uncertainty for international visitors. This has led to a measurable decline in inbound tourism, with Canadian entry numbers down double digits and air traffic falling 26% year over year. The article connects these trends to broader economic and diplomatic risks. For example, organizations like the Girl Guides of Canada have suspended travel to the U.S. due to concerns about inclusivity and safety, highlighting how restrictive policies can undermine youth exchange and soft diplomacy. The reduction in tourism not only impacts the travel industry but also erodes the U.S.’s global reputation and long-term relationships. In 2006 -- five years after 9/11 -- a group of travel industry leaders, concerned that inbound visitation was being hurt by these off-putting first impressions, formed the Discover America Partnership. A poll they fielded confirmed their suspicions: Potential visitors feared U.S. border officials more than terrorism or crime.

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