HANYC Warns Trade War Will Worsen Economic Headwinds for NYC Hotels

The Hotel Association of New York City has called on the federal government to resolve the escalating trade war between the U.S. and Canada, warning that it threatens to deepen economic challenges facing the city's hotels.

In a recent statement, Vijay Dandapani, President and CEO of HANYC, said that Canadian visitors are critical to New York's small businesses, jobs, and workers' wellbeing.

The association cited declining visitation from Canada, with 26% fewer Canadian visitors in 2025 compared to the prior year. Canadians spent 14% less than they did pre-pandemic, resulting in a 28% decrease in spending.

New York's tourism economy is particularly vulnerable due to lagging international visitor numbers, and the trade war could exacerbate existing headwinds such as travel restrictions, slowed revenue growth, persistent inflation, rising operating costs, and immigration crackdowns.