NYC Hotel Group Warns Trade Dispute with Canada Threatens Tourism Economy

The Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC) has expressed concern over the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the US, warning that it will severely impact the city's tourism economy. According to HANYC, Canadian visitors are critical to the success of New York City's tourism industry, with 26% fewer Canadian visitors in 2025 resulting in a 28% decrease in spending.

The association points out that this decline is part of a broader trend, with Canadians spending 14% less last year than they did before the pandemic. The new tariff war threatens to exacerbate these challenges, putting local businesses and workers at risk. HANYC estimates that hotels are still struggling to recover from pre-pandemic losses, with 12.9% fewer workers, 2.4% fewer visitors, and hotel occupancy lagging behind 2019 levels.

Vijay Dandapani, President and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City, emphasized that 'our tourism economy cannot afford another year of trade wars with Canada' and urged the federal government to strike a deal with Canada to encourage visitation from Canadian travelers. Dr. Jean G. Joseph, President of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, also expressed concern over the impact of retaliatory tariffs on local businesses and workers.