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Buffalo's Tourism Campaign Fails Amid Canadian Visitor Decline

9/2/2025

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Buffalo's Tourism Struggles

Buffalo's "Buffalo Loves Canada" summer tourism campaign did not succeed in attracting Canadian visitors, highlighting a decline in U.S. international tourism.
Analysts link this downturn to President Trump's tariffs and immigration policies.
Canadian visits fell sharply, with a 37% decrease in car returns and a 26% drop in flights in July.
Visit Buffalo Niagara is now focusing on attracting visitors from Boston and Chicago.

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U.S. Tourism Decline

U.S. tourism has declined for five of the last six months, with a 3% drop in foreign visits in July.
Experts link this trend to President Trump's restrictive policies, which deter international travelers.
A new $250 "visa integrity fee" will raise costs for travelers from non-visa waiver countries.
International visitor spending in the U.S. is projected to fall below $169 billion by 2025.
Tourism from Central America has risen, but declines from China and India reflect geopolitical tensions.

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Buffalo's Tourism Struggles

Buffalo's "Buffalo Loves Canada" summer tourism campaign did not succeed in attracting Canadian visitors, highlighting a decline in U.S. international tourism.
Analysts link this downturn to President Trump's tariffs and immigration policies.
Canadian visits fell sharply, with a 37% decrease in car returns and a 26% drop in flights in July.
Visit Buffalo Niagara is now focusing on attracting visitors from Boston and Chicago.

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