While Matt Levy has been directing loving excursions to New York City, he could always trust Canadians to bring business.
« I can say -go, from 30 to 50 percent of the visits my company gives are for Canadian high school groups, » Levy recently said, moments before touring a group in Georgia.
It has been broadcast Love Tours NYC, which has been in business for more than two decades, has led visitors to all the main milestones. Levy, who makes many of the visits himself, has taken thousands of Canadians in the city he loves.
But this year, he said he has barely Canadian reserves.
« My company got $ 35,000 exclusively from Canadian high school children who came to New York City for their class trip, » he said about their 2024 benefits. This year, it’s $ 5,000, and cancellations occur every week.
Levy said that his Canadian customers do not explicitly say why they are canceled, but he has brought together two and two.
« I know why, and it is because my president is threatening to annex your country. »
President Donald Trump suggested that Canada should be in the 51st state in December, after the election victory in November. He has repeated the suggestion many times since then, along with the grievances on the United States-Canadian commercial and border security relationships.
This is in addition to triggering a historical fare policy against Canada and the rest of the world.
The effect on tourism was fast and furious, and the Canadians made public statements on the cancellation of US holidays or refused to visit their southern neighbor.
Viatges canceled
In recent months, Canadian airlines have reduced or canceled flights due to a fall in demand.
The ground border crossings between Canada and the United States have also dropped significantly, and in March, about one million fewer passengers were shown compared to the same period last year, according to customs and the protection of borders in the United States.
« I don’t blame you. I would not come to my country either if I were in your situation, » said Levy.
Wildwood companies, New Jersey, share concerns about the sudden changing of Canada’s heart on travel to the United States. The city of Jersey Shore Beach is a Canadian favorite, and some are removing all the stops to ensure that they return this summer.
It describes the loss of business as a disgarter and affects all those who work for your company.
It is not the only one who feels the sudden freezing of Canadian tourists. There is fear and concern throughout the US tourism industry.
According to the North -American Travel Association, Canada was the highest source of international visitors in the United States in 2024, generating $ 20 billion in the United States, supporting 140,000 jobs.
« We love you guys »
In popular destinations such as Palm Springs, California, the city government has begun installing banners on the streetlights that read Palm Springs ♥ ️ Canada.
Other states such as Florida and Arizona, where Canadians are a maximum source of tourist income, they look like the alarm.
Mike Huckins, from the Grand Fènix Chamber, recently told the Arizona media family: « We have many snow birds from Canada for long periods of time. Arizona is famous for this, so a little concerned about some of these visitors who delay or end their plans to come for a long time. »
In Wildwood, NJ, a city in Jersey Shore Beach, where the Canadians are so ubiquitous during the summer months that there are hotels with names such as the Motel of Quebec and Royal Canadian.
John Donio, the President of the Wildwood Business Improvement District, is happy to report that there has been no cancellation wave in recent months. But there is enough concern to be working with his fellow businessmen on a new messaging.
« We just want our Northern Friends to know how to New Jersey, in Wildwoods, we love you, » he said. « You are always welcome here … and we know that without our Canadian friends, it is not the same in Wildwoods. »
A veteran tourist guide in New York feels like collateral damage to the increasing tensions between Canada and the United States. Matt Levy by Spread Love Tours says that President Trump’s policies affecting Canada have had a brutal affection in his business.
Michael Bolero, General Manager of Bolero, a Wildwood complex, received a phone call from a guest with a summer reservation. I wanted to know the cancellation rate of the complex, in case President Trump increases tensions with Canada.
« Unfortunately, we said there are no free cancellations on geopolitical issues, » said Bolero.
« It’s a big family and we have to solve it »
Canadian visitors have been invited for decades to the Quebec motel, so named by the original owner after spending time in Canada.
Lester Katsanis, the current owner of the motel, is aware of the special relationship between Wildwood and its Canadian visitors. You can remind families who have returned to summer after summer, seeing their children grow up and finally returning with their own children.
It is optimistic that Wildwood’s relationship with the Canadians survive the state loaded with Canada-EUA relations.
« It’s a big family and we have to solve it, » he said, referring to the long -term bond between Canada and the United States « we love you. »
Canadian travel to the United States have fallen as the trade war increases between the two countries. But how much is this for the US economy? In addition, why Canada decided that he needs more politicians.
Levy also tries to stay optimistic, even when Canadians seem to choose politics about their travel plans.
« I know that Canadians have a long memory and do not easily forgive. I think New York is very different and very separate from the north -American politics and identity. And I think the Canadians will return to New York soon. »
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