Buffalo Businesses Offer Deals to Win Back Canadian Tourists Amid Political Tension

Businesses in Buffalo, New York are working hard to rebuild their relationship with Canadian tourists, a vital source of revenue that has dwindled in recent years. The drop is being blamed on a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent political rhetoric, including President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about potentially annexing Canada.

On the water, Buffalo Harbor Cruises is offering Canadian visitors a 30% discount all summer, hoping to restore cross-border tourism. “We consider ourselves almost Canadian,” said Ryan Hayhurst of Buffalo Harbor Cruises. “We’re pretty much Canada.”

Before the pandemic, Canadians were estimated to spend over $2 billion in the Buffalo region each year, with as much as 40% of the city’s tourists coming from the Greater Toronto Area. But recent U.S. border data shows a 24% year-over-year decline in travelers entering Western New York.

Local businesses, including the Buffalo Bisons baseball team, are offering similar deals to encourage a rebound. Meanwhile, residents are voicing disappointment over Trump’s comments. “It’s really insulting that our president even suggests [Canada] would be a state,” said one local.

Tourism officials had pulled back on the region’s “Buffalo Loves Canada” billboard campaign earlier this year when the president threatened punitive tariffs. But the messaging is now back in full force in places like Toronto.

Patrick Kaler of Visit Buffalo Niagara acknowledged the challenges: “We love you, Buffalo, but [Canadians say] we’ll see you in four years after the Trump administration is over with.”

The city’s children’s museum, Explore & More, also reports a noticeable decline in Canadian traffic. “It is really tough and difficult to kind of see where the relationship is right now,” said spokesperson Chris Ryndak.

Despite the downturn, Buffalo remains hopeful that Canadian visitors will return soon, whether for boat tours, baseball games, or family outings.

Canada has expressed a commitment to reach a bilateral deal with the U.S. by July 21.

Credit: CNN Newsource
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