**A Call to Action: Open Borders for Tourism in North America**
The tourism industry plays a vital role in fostering economic stability and growth, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship in North America. However, current policies and events are creating an unstable environment for international travel.
- Economic uncertainties and evolving policies
- Global tensions impacting international travel patterns
- Reciprocal tariffs and border restrictions
These challenges threaten the financial health of numerous businesses and the livelihoods of millions of workers who rely on the tourism industry. Indigenous communities, which are increasingly benefiting from a growing demand for authentic cultural experiences, face heightened risks as economic pressures mount.
Indigenous Communities and Tourism
The relationships between Canada and the United States highlight the powerful connections and bonds between Indigenous communities. Despite the border, these communities remain connected through kinship and culture. The importance of sharing culture and place remains strong, particularly through Indigenous lands and people who have created an important Indigenous cultural tourism economy.
The Impact of Reduced International Travel
Recent reports from The Washington Post and Forbes highlight a decline in international travelers. The most recent data from Stats Canada shows a 13.1% decline in Canadians flying back to the US compared to the same month in 2024. Projections indicate that this trend could lead to significant economic repercussions.
| Region | Projected Loss (2025) |
|---|---|
| US | $18 billion |
| Global | $64 billion |
According to OAG, for each month from May to September, advanced bookings are down between 71.4% and 72.2%. Air travelers hold fewer than 300,000 advanced bookings between Canada and the US for April, down more than 75% year-over-year.
Canada and the US Tourism Industry
Canada is also facing reductions in US visitors for the 2025 year. Visitors from the US spend an estimated $13 billion in Canada, providing important sustainability for jobs and thousands of tourism operators throughout the country. Issues such as increased tariffs, border restrictions, and growing US negative sentiment towards Canada may result in modest losses to the Canadian tourism industry in the short term and potentially major losses in the long term.
A Coalition for Open Borders
Despite the challenges facing the US and Canadian tourism industries, a coalition of North American tourism associations has formed to work together to ensure that tourism opportunities between the two countries are preserved. By committing to work together, we can bring our countries closer together and create a resilient future that benefits travelers and global communities.
“We know that by committing to work together, we can build a future that empowers safe, accessible, and enriching travel experiences for generations to come.”
— Coalition of North American Tourism Associations
Benefits of Open Borders
The travel industry’s interconnected nature demands a unified voice and action to tackle shared challenges. Simplifying visa processes and enhancing cross-border collaboration can foster economic growth, promote cultural exchange, and help dispel damaging stereotypes.
Benefits for Travelers
• Safe and accessible travel experiences
• Opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding
• Enriching travel experiences
• Economic growth and job creation
Benefits for Global Communities
• Environmental stewardship and conservation
• Promoting cross-border collaboration and understanding
• Fostering economic growth and development
Join the Coalition
The coalition of Canadian and US-based associations is calling on individuals, organizations, and governments to join forces and support the preservation of tourism opportunities between North America’s great countries. Together, we can ensure that our industry empowers safe, accessible, and enriching travel experiences for generations to come.
Share the Message
Please share this message widely, including on social media, with your elected officials, partners, and those in the hospitality sector, colleagues, customers, and travelers. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for the tourism industry.
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