Concerns Grow as International Travel to the U.S. Declines
Sault Ste. Marie, a charming city in Michigan, relies heavily on visitors from its sister city across the border in Ontario, Canada. The two communities, nestled on either side of the St. Marys River, are linked by the busy Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. However, due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Canada, particularly stemming from a recent trade war, Canadian visitors are becoming less frequent, significantly impacting the local economy.
Linda Hoath, executive director of the Sault Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, expressed concern about the tight-knit connection between the two towns. “It’s so intertwined,” she noted, emphasizing that many families have ties on both sides of the border. Yet, with fewer Canadians making the trip south, the effects are palpable. In April alone, passenger car traffic across the bridge dropped by 44% compared to the previous year, a troubling indicator for the local economy.
Decline in International Travel
Sault Ste. Marie is not alone in facing tourism challenges. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, which typically sees a surge in travelers, a notable absence of international visitors is evident at U.S. checkpoints. According to the U.S. Travel Association, international travel to the United States fell by 14% in March compared to the same time last year, with a significant 20.2% decline in travel from Canada. The adverse impact of increased tariffs and heightened immigration restrictions under the Trump administration have contributed to this downward trend.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously urged Canadians to limit travel to the U.S., especially following a 25% tariff imposed on Canadian goods. This marked shift is alarming as Canada was the top source of inbound visitors to the U.S. last year, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Economic Implications
The repercussions of a declining international visitor count could destabilize America’s tourism sector, which plays a crucial role in the national economy. As per a spokesperson from the U.S. Travel Association, international visitors spend an average of $4,000 per trip. This year, spending by foreign visitors is expected to decline to $169 billion, down from $181 billion in 2024, representing a dramatic drop from pre-pandemic levels.
| Year | Visitor Spending | Decrease from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $217 Billion | — |
| 2024 | $181 Billion | -16.6% |
| 2025 (Projected) | $169 Billion | -7% |
The potential loss of over 230,000 jobs in the tourism sector is another bleak possibility, with the dining and lodging industries facing the brunt of the downturn. This could have a far-reaching impact, especially for Midwestern cities like Sault Ste. Marie, where local businesses could suffer from decreased foot traffic.
Shifting Focus to Domestic Tourists
As international travel diminishes, cities like Flagstaff, Arizona, are pivoting their marketing strategies to attract domestic tourists. Flagstaff has experienced a 15% to 20% fall in international visitors, which is prompting local officials to explore options for increasing U.S. tourist traffic. Initiatives include enhancing flight accessibility and promoting unique local attractions.
Meanwhile, Hoath is redirecting her outreach efforts to focus on American visitors, recognizing that maintaining local economic stability is paramount. “When you don’t have a ton of funds, you’ve got to put them where you know they have a better possibility of working,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the changing travel landscape.
