Trump Trade War with Canada Hits New York Tourism Hard

Donald Trump's ongoing trade war with Canada has significant implications for New York's economy, particularly its tourism sector. The number of Canadian visitors to New York declined by 26% last year, while spending by tourists from Canada is down 14% from pre-pandemic levels, according to the Hotel Association of New York.

The city's tourism arm, NYC Tourism + Conventions, has revised its forecast for this year downward to 66.3 million visitors, a 2% increase from last year and shy of the record 66.6 million visitors in 2019. A further decline in Canadian tourists would put that forecast at risk.

Vijay Dandapani, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City, warned that the tourism economy cannot afford another year of trade wars with Canada, which drive away international visitors. He urged the federal government to reach a deal with Canada to give travelers a reason to return.