Canadians are avoiding Philadelphia due to the ongoing trade tensions stemming from the Trump administration’s policies.

The number of Canadian tourists visiting Philadelphia has markedly decreased this year, reversing a trend of growth observed in the post-COVID tourism recovery. City officials are forecasting a decline of nearly 10% in international tourism to Philadelphia by 2025, with Canadian visitors projected to drop by approximately 17.75%. Canadians historically account for about 40% of the city’s international tourism, making this decline particularly impactful.

This shift can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the ongoing international trade tensions initiated under the previous U.S. administration, which have seen the implementation of tariffs and a shift in the perception of the U.S. as a travel destination. Philadelphia tourism officials have noted that these changes are influencing the decisions of potential international travelers. Concerns regarding border crossing experiences, safety, and overall perceptions of the United States are contributing to a decline in Canadian tourists, according to Svetlana Yazovskikh, Vice President of Global Tourism at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

After a period of steady international tourism growth in Philadelphia, indications of a downturn began in March, coinciding with a series of tariffs imposed on Canada. Nationally, tourism from Canada to the U.S. has diminished, with research from Tourism Economics indicating an over 25% decrease in Canadian travelers visiting the country in 2025.

In light of these challenges, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has pointed to the past administration’s immigration policies as a significant factor contributing to the dip in tourism, suggesting that global perceptions have shifted, making potential visitors hesitant to travel to the U.S.

In response to this decline, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau has initiated an advertising campaign targeting Canadian visitors, featuring local residents who encourage tourism from Canada. The impact of these alterations in tourism dynamics is not isolated to Philadelphia, as similar trends are evident at nearby attractions, including the Jersey Shore, where local businesses have reported reduced visitation from Canadian families.

Looking ahead, city officials express cautious optimism about a potential resurgence in 2026, particularly with major events such as the FIFA World Cup and the 250th anniversary of the United States slated for that year. However, there are concerns regarding new U.S. visa policies, which could further deter international travelers from Canada. Starting October 1, a new visa integrity fee of 0 will be required for many nonimmigrant visas, which could impose an additional financial burden on Canadian families planning to travel into the United States.

Despite current declines, international travel through Philadelphia International Airport showed a slight increase of over 11% in August compared to the previous year. Observers remain hopeful that these trends may stabilize as perceptions shift and events attract visitors to the city. The Philadelphia tourism sector continues to adapt in hopes of a return to growth amid changing geopolitical landscapes.

This evolving situation emphasizes the ongoing relationship between travel policies, international relations, and tourism dynamics as cities like Philadelphia strive to attract visitors in a global environment increasingly influenced by political considerations.

Media News Source