Canadians are avoiding Philadelphia due to the economic impact of the Trump trade war.
Philadelphia, a city known for its historical significance and vibrant culture, is witnessing a notable decline in Canadian visitors, reversing a trend of growth in international tourism that had been expected to continue following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Officials project that international tourism to the city will decrease by nearly 10% in 2025, driven primarily by an anticipated 17.75% decrease in visitors from Canada, a demographic that typically constitutes about 40% of the city’s international travelers.
This shift in tourism patterns is attributed to various factors, including the ongoing international trade tensions sparked during the Trump administration, which have introduced tariffs and fostered a more cautious perception of the United States among international travelers. According to the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, changes in visa fees and the evolving attitude towards travel in the United States are contributing to this decline. Many Canadians, who have historically visited Philadelphia for leisure and business, are now reconsidering their trips due to concerns over security and the overall travel experience, as noted by Svetlana Yazovskikh, the bureau’s vice president of global tourism.
The tourism situation in Philadelphia is reflective of a national trend, with data from Tourism Economics highlighting that international travel from Canada to the U.S. has decreased by over 25% in 2025. This decrease correlates with the implementation of tariffs against Canada that started taking effect in early March.
The negative tourism sentiment is further echoed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who attributes the decline in visitor numbers to the immigration policies enacted during the Trump administration, which have led to a pervasive fear among potential international travelers of visiting the United States.
In response to these challenges, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau is mobilizing resources to encourage Canadian visitors to explore what the city has to offer. Recently, they launched a targeted advertising campaign featuring prominent Canadian residents advocating for travel to Philadelphia.
Interestingly, the decline in Canadian visitors appears to be somewhat isolated, with travel from Europe and other regions less affected overall. Projections indicate only a slight decrease of 2.9% in travel from Europe and a projected increase of nearly 7% from India.
Despite the hurdles, Yazovskikh remains optimistic for the future, especially with major events looming in 2026, such as the FIFA World Cup and the 250th anniversary of the United States. The hope is that these significant events will revitalize tourism in Philadelphia and herald a return to growth for the city’s economy.
As Philadelphia navigates these changing tides in tourism, local officials are keenly aware of the need to adapt to the evolving landscape in order to promote a welcoming environment and foster international visitation once again.
