Once surging, tourism in New York’s border counties has hit a significant slowdown in 2025. After booming in 2024, counties like Erie, Niagara, Clinton, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence are now seeing sharp drops in visitor numbers, particularly from Canada—a key market.
2024: A Banner Year That Set the Bar High
In 2024, tourism across New York State hit unprecedented highs. In Erie and Niagara, inflows of Canadian visitors drove record hotel stays, dining, and retail spending. Across the North Country—Clinton, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence—cross-border shopping and short visits kept local tourism alive. Tourism-generated revenue helped support jobs, businesses, and public services.
But as 2025 unfolds, the glow of last year’s success feels distant. Canadian day trips, international arrivals, and border spending have all dropped sharply, reshaping the outlook for tourism in these counties.
Erie County: Buffalo Feels the Pullback
Erie County, home to Buffalo and the Peace Bridge, enjoyed a 7.2% increase in visitor spending in 2024—about $2.7 billion. Cultural investments and restaurants fueled job creation and lowered household tax burdens.
Now, 2025 tells a different story. Peace Bridge crossings are down double digits during spring and summer. Retailers and hotels that counted on Canadian guests are feeling the absence keenly. Rising visa restrictions, a strong U.S. dollar, and geopolitical tensions are being cited as causes of the slowdown.
Niagara County: Iconic Falls, Waning Crowds
At Niagara Falls, tourism spending soared 6.4% in 2024, topping $1.16 billion. With Canadian traffic once again dominant, the region supported 15,000 jobs and offered household tax relief.
But in 2025, cross-border traffic across the Niagara bridges has dropped more than 25%. That’s troubling news for an economy where one-quarter of the workforce depends on tourism. Niagara County pivoted quickly, promoting cultural festivals and heritage events to draw from the U.S. domestic market.
Clinton County: Plattsburgh’s Tourism Takes a Hit
Clinton County’s economy in 2024 benefited from Quebec-based shoppers crossing at the busy Champlain Port of Entry. This year, vehicle crossings are down 26%, with 70% of local businesses reporting sharp drops in Canadian customers.
What was once a bright tourism story now serves as a cautionary example of how quickly external factors—exchange rates, visa policies, and international relations—can reshape border economies.
Jefferson County: Quiet Thousand Islands
Known for its scenic Thousand Islands region, Jefferson County is facing a ripple effect from cancellation of traffic. Vehicle crossings plunged over 30% in April 2025 alone. Marinas, lodges, and campgrounds are seeing fewer Canadian visitors, highlighting how dependent the area remains on cross-border tourism. Local leaders are now urging domestic travelers to explore heritage sites and outdoor adventures in the region.
St. Lawrence County: Cross-Border Travel Collapses
Ogdensburg and surrounding communities in St. Lawrence County felt the impact of a 30+% year-over-year drop in crossings from Ontario in April. For an economy built on visitor spending, the abrupt shift underscored how currency values and policy changes can ripple rapidly through local tourism industries.
Ripple Effect Reaches Adirondack Regions
Though Essex and Franklin Counties don’t border Canada directly, they are connected to this regional tourism ecosystem. A decrease in Canadian visitors means fewer bookings in Adirondack lodges and campsites—revealing the broader fragility of interconnected, cross-border tourism networks.
Why Canadian Travelers Matter So Much
Canadian visitors have traditionally accounted for a significant share of short-stay trips, shopping excursions, and overnight stays. They are known to spend more per visit, making them especially valuable to local economies.
2025’s decline stems from three main trends:
- Currency Challenges: A strong U.S. dollar discourages visits.
- Political Strain: Cross-border relations and boycotts affect travel sentiment.
- Visa Friction: Tighter requirements create hassle and deter cross-border movement.
Domestic Travel Offers Some Buffer
There’s a silver lining—domestic travelers from cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago are helping fill gaps. Erie and Niagara have amplified marketing to domestic audiences, while northern counties lean into their rural charm and outdoor offerings to attract local visitors. Though helpful, these efforts can’t fully replace international tourism dollars.
Broader Lessons for Resilient Tourism
These border counties illustrate that tourism can rise quickly—and fall just as fast. Relying on a single source market makes regions vulnerable. Future resilience depends on:
- Diversifying visitor demographics
- Building year-round attractions and experiences
- Tracking macro-factors like exchange rates and visa policies
Turning the Tide
Despite 2025’s setbacks, tourism remains a key part of county economies. Local leaders—from Erie to St. Lawrence—are planning and adapting. Investments in culture, festivals, and heritage tourism continue, aiming to draw both residents and out-of-state visitors.
New York’s wonders—natural beauty, historic towns, and welcoming communities—remain a draw. The challenge now is adapting to a shifting tourism landscape with flexibility and foresight.
Final Thoughts
The tourism slowdown in New York’s border counties—after a soaring 2024—is a powerful reminder of tourism’s highs and lows. Regions like Erie, Niagara, Clinton, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence are reshaping strategies to navigate a changing world. Their responses may well guide tourism recovery efforts across the U.S. in the years to come.
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