Canadian visits to New York continue to plummet, putting the state’s summer tourism economy at risk. Analysis from Senator Chuck Schumer’s office shows border traffic at six crossings plunged an average of 25% in May compared to the same month last year.
“As summer sizzles, Upstate NY tourism fizzles,” Schumer said, warning that small businesses, hotels, and restaurants across the state are losing out on vital summer income.
The drop in visitors is being felt across the state:
- Peace Bridge (Buffalo): down 22.7%
- Rainbow Bridge (Niagara Falls): down 29%
- Ogdensburg-Prescott Bridge: down 28.7%
- Thousand Islands Bridge: down 18.6%
That’s equal to 400,000 fewer travelers. Schumer attributes the decline to President Trump’s tariffs and inflammatory rhetoric about our closest ally and trading partner.
Schumer is urging House Republicans to support a bipartisan Senate resolution to end the tariffs, saying it could help repair the U.S.-Canada relationship and bring back much-needed tourism.
“Main Streets across Upstate New York are sweating as reservations get canceled,” Schumer said. “It’s time to stop this trade war and protect our local jobs.”
