≡-US Sees Twenty-Five Percent Drop in Canada Border Crossings with Major Impact on Tourism Businesses – Viral of Today

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Home » TOURISM NEWS » US Sees Twenty-Five Percent Drop in Canada Border Crossings with Major Impact on Tourism Businesses Wednesday, June 25, 2025In May 2025, the number of travelers crossing the U.S./Canada border crossings saw a sharp 25% drop compared to the same month in 2024. The border traffic decline is hitting local commerce severely, especially tourism-based industries, for which the Canadian traveler constitutes a most prized visitor. The unprecedented drop in travelers causes concern among those most relying on cross-border tourism business.The Impact on Border CrossingsThe drop in U.S./Canada border crossings is especially noticeable at major entry points.The Peace Bridge, which connects Buffalo, New York, with Fort Erie, Ontario, recorded a 22% reduction in crossings.The Rainbow Bridge, another popular route between Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario, experienced a steeper decline, with crossings dropping by almost 29%.These figures reflect a broader trend of diminishing travel between the two countries, particularly by car, which has traditionally been a popular mode of transportation for Canadian visitors.Local Businesses Feeling the StrainThe reduced flow of tourists is being keenly felt by businesses in both Niagara Falls and Buffalo. Chloe, a worker at Mario’s Pizza in Niagara Falls, has observed a noticeable decrease in customer numbers. “Business has been down a lot since the border crossings have been down,” she said. The reduction in Canadian tourists has forced many local businesses to scale back operations, and Chloe’s restaurant is no exception.Many establishments, including Chloe’s, that typically rely on two daily shifts are now struggling to meet demand.With fewer customers coming through their doors, there is less need for labor, which further impacts business operations.At Flip Burger in Niagara Falls, Ronzy echoed similar concerns. “The Canada people are not coming,” he said, noting that fewer Canadian tourists means fewer sales. As a result, the border tourism industry in the region is facing significant challenges.Regional Effects on Buffalo’s TourismThe drop in U.S./Canada border crossings isn’t just affecting Niagara Falls. Buffalo, a city that heavily depends on tourism, is also feeling the consequences. Patrick Kaler from Visit Buffalo Niagara reported a year-to-date decline of 14% in border crossings, with May numbers showing an even steeper decline of 21%. The loss of Canadian visitors is hurting the local economy, as businesses have long relied on Buffalo tourism from their neighbors across the border.Kaler expressed the importance of the connection between Buffalo and Canada. “For Buffalo, we really see them as our friends; they’re part of our overall family,” he said. The area’s tourism officials are now actively seeking ways to reverse this trend and bring Canadian visitors back to the region.Efforts to attract Canadian tourists include targeted advertising campaigns, such as promoting Buffalo as a must-visit destination.Visit Buffalo Niagara is exploring advertising partnerships, including with travel companies like Expedia, to reach Canadian travelers looking to visit the U.S.The Widening Ripple EffectThe decrease in Niagara Falls tourism has rippled across other sectors, including retail, entertainment, and local attractions. Many businesses have reported seeing a significant portion of their customers come from Canada. Workers on Old Falls Street in Niagara Falls revealed that nearly half of their customers typically hail from Canada, and they’re now seeing fewer visitors.Some local shops have been forced to close earlier or reduce their hours to accommodate the decline in foot traffic.This shift is not only affecting revenue but also staffing needs, leading to reduced working hours.Chloe, whose restaurant usually thrives on Canadian patronage, explained, “Usually by this time, we would be open like two shifts per day. I would say we’re a little bit behind on that because we haven’t had the necessity and labor to do so.” With fewer visitors, businesses in the region are struggling to keep up with their usual operations.Hope from Other VisitorsWhile Canadian tourists are noticeably absent, some international visitors remain hopeful. Mary, a Kenyan tourist visiting Niagara Falls with her husband for their honeymoon, plans to continue her trip into Canada despite concerns about border procedures. “I have mixed feelings about it because of what I’ve been hearing about people crossing over and coming back,” she shared. However, she expressed optimism for a smooth journey into Toronto.While the reduction in U.S./Canada border crossings has tourism impact, there are still international visitors who are undeterred by the uncertainties surrounding cross-border travel. This offers a glimmer of hope for businesses that are feeling the pinch but also highlights the importance of attracting tourists from beyond Canada to help offset losses.The Road Ahead for Border TourismThe decline in U.S./Canada border crossings presents a challenge to the border tourism industry and local businesses in both Niagara Falls and Buffalo. With fewer Canadian tourists crossing the border, businesses must adapt to the changing landscape. Strategies like targeted advertising, special promotions, and reaching out to other potential international tourists will be key in helping these areas recover.Briefly, the 25% reduction on the U.S./Canada border crossings constitutes a big event for the Niagara Falls and Buffalo tourism-based economies. With reduced traffic for business, a new approach for attracting tourists—Canadian and foreign—becomes the lifeline for survival and the path towards recuperation for the near future months. The region must be inventive and frugal such that the loss of the Canadian tourists will not be a long-term loss.

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