New York Launches Tourism Campaign Amid US-Canada Trade Tensions

New York state and city officials launched the New York Loves Canada and Northern Neighbour Deal campaigns to reverse a significant decline in Canadian tourism. Organized by the New York Department of Economic Development and New York City Tourism + Conventions, the initiatives offer discounts of up to 30% at nearly 100 hotels, restaurants, and attractions to offset a poor exchange rate.

Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York, introduced the programs following a 26% drop in Canadian visitation to the state in 2025. Officials attribute the decline to strained relations caused by President Donald Trump's proposed 50% tariffs and comments regarding the annexation of Canada. In response to U.S. trade policies, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney implemented retaliatory fees on U.S. steel, dairy, and farm equipment.

The campaign's momentum faced immediate challenges after Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States is considering renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America, stating the U.S. does not expect to conduct significant business with Ontario in the future. While the North Country Chamber of Commerce reported a 10% year-over-year increase in border crossings at Champlain, New York, in July 2026, local tourism officials in the North Country expressed concern that the president's rhetoric undermines efforts to foster cross-border relationships.