Travel from Canada to the United States has not fully recovered despite the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, leaving parts of the U.S. hospitality industry facing continued losses from reduced Canadian tourism.
A recent report from The Travel indicates that U.S. tourism businesses missed out on approximately $3.3 billion in spending from Canadian travelers in 2025. Popular destinations such as Florida, Las Vegas, and the Southwest were among the hardest hit due to fewer Canadian visitors, particularly seasonal winter travelers.
Canadian Travelers Continue to Pull Back
Ongoing trade disputes between the United States and Canada have contributed to a new wave of Canadian resistance toward U.S. travel. While previous boycotts were mainly personal choices, recent tariffs and political tensions have made travel across the border more expensive and socially sensitive.
Some Canadian businesses have also responded symbolically. For example, certain Canadian airlines have reduced or removed American products from their services as a sign of economic solidarity.
Canadian spending in the United States declined significantly during the first quarter of 2026. According to Statistics Canada, Canadian travelers spent $790 million less in the U.S. between January and March compared with previous periods.
Shorter Trips Impact US Tourism Revenue
The decline has also affected the type of travel Canadians are making. Many visitors are choosing shorter trips, with nearly 40% of Canadian trips to the United States consisting of same-day crossings.
However, there have been signs of improvement since April, with some destinations reporting gradual increases throughout the summer. New York City, for example, has introduced special tourism campaigns aimed at attracting Canadian visitors.
The city’s official tourism messaging highlights its relationship with Canada, emphasizing that Canadian travelers remain an important part of New York’s visitor economy.
Major US Destinations Feel the Impact
Although New York is not a border destination, the city has experienced a noticeable decline in Canadian tourism. One local tour operator reported that Canadians represented 30% to 40% of customers in 2024, but that figure has since dropped to around 10%.
The continued decline in Canadian visitors presents challenges for U.S. hotels, airlines, entertainment companies, and tourism operators that rely heavily on international travelers.
World Cup Boost Faces Challenges
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup was expected to provide a major boost to U.S. tourism, with millions of international visitors projected to attend matches and related events.
However, ongoing economic and political tensions between the United States and Canada have limited the expected recovery from one of the country’s most important international visitor markets.