Four million fewer foreign
visitors entered the US in 2025 compared to 2024, while the total spending decreased by more than $8bn (£5.95bn), an analysis of the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) data shows.
The WTTC said that 80 million more people travelled internationally across the globe in 2025, showing that travel wasn’t slowing down on average.
Arrivals from Canada made up the largest decline to the US, with 4.2 million less visiting last year.
This was followed by Germany (over 224,000), India (over 129,000) and France (over 116,00).
Well in the Niagara Falls area it is down a lot and hurting people that depend on it for a living.
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Scale of the decline
U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows 400,000 fewer travelers crossed the U.S./Canada border by car in May 2025 compared to May 2024, a 25% drop WKBW.
Year-to-date, border crossings to the region are down 14%, with May’s decline even steeper at 21% WKBW.
In June 2025, Canadian crossings into New York fell over 21% compared to June 2024, with about 376,000 fewer travelers FingerLakes1.com+1.
Major Buffalo-area bridges saw steep drops: Peace Bridge down ~15%, Rainbow Bridge down ~26%, Whirlpool Rapids Bridge down ~29% NEWS10 ABC.
Why it’s happening
Tourism leaders and industry insiders point to several factors:
Political tensions and trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada, including threats to raise tariffs on Canadian goods to 35% FingerLakes1.com+1.
Pandemic lingering effects, an unfavorable exchange rate, and new tariffs deterring cross-border travel WIVB News 4+1.
Some business owners also cite fear of border security issues as a deterrent WKBW.
Impact on Buffalo-area tourism
Typically 35–45% of tourists in the region come from Canada WIVB News 4.
Hotels, restaurants, and attractions report fewer Canadian visitors, with some noting a 50% Canadian customer base in certain spots WKBW.
Businesses like Mario’s Pizza and Flip Burger in Niagara Falls have reduced staffing and hours due to lower foot traffic WKBW.
Visit Buffalo Niagara has paused Canadian advertising and is shifting promotion to other U.S. cities like Boston, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia WIVB News 4+1.
Bottom line
Tourism from Canada into the Buffalo area is down sharply in 2025, with declines of 14–25% year-to-date and month-over-month drops in May and June. The drop is affecting local hospitality, retail, and seasonal jobs, and tourism leaders are actively working to reverse it.
