North Country businesses turn on the charm to bring back Canadian visitors
As Canadians' view of the United States plummets amid a trade war and talk of a '51st state,' North Country business groups are launching a charm offensive aimed at tourists from Quebec.
The North Country Chamber of Commerce said on Facebook this week that Canadian visitation dropped 16% in February. Meanwhile, Statistics Canada reported that the number of Canadian-resident return trips from the U.S. by auto in February was down 23%.
Trump's tariffs threaten tourism in North Country
Along with tariffs and a weak exchange rate, 'shifting political perceptions' are to blame, the chamber said. The group cited a March poll that found only a third of Canadians have a favorable view of the United States.
With so much of its economy tied to Canadian tourism, the Chamber is asking North Country businesses to step up.
The Welcome Canadians campaign is aimed at creating and spreading 'a consistent, region-wide message of welcome.'
'Canadian visitors have long been a cornerstone of our local economy,' the Chamber says. 'Many Canadians are still coming — let's make them feel extra welcome!'
A cornerstone of the campaign are bilingual signs and posters created by the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau. The signage is being made available to stores, office buildings, restaurants and other businesses, along social-media graphics. The Bureau has a Tips for Canadians page that includes details on what can brought back to Canada, current border wait times, duty-free allowances, and more.
A 'What Else?' list suggests ways the business community can show its appreciation for Canadian tourist dollars. It starts with delivering 'exceptional hospitality': 'A warm smile, a friendly 'Bonjour!' and great service go a long way.'
Other tips include:
Fly a Canadian flag;
Train staff in basic French greetings
Offer Canadian-friendly promotions
Engage on Quebec social media
North Country leaders have been bracing for the impact on tourism from President Trump's tariffs for weeks. Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman said in mid-March that Canadians were feeling the effects of tariffs, which raise the price of goods they purchase here and bring back home.
'We're already starting to hear that Canadians are pulling back from their plans to come down to the United States,' Cashman said.
With the Welcome Canadians campaign, North Country businesses hope to change that.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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