Toronto, June 1, 2025 — Tourism officials in Toronto remain confident about a strong summer rebound, even as the number of American tourists visiting the city continues to fall. The optimism comes despite Statistics Canada data revealing a 6.6% year-over-year decline in trips by U.S. residents to Canada in March 2025 the first such drop in over a year.
The decline is being attributed in part to an ongoing boycott of the United States by Canadian travelers, sparked by diplomatic tensions and tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Many Canadians have chosen to cancel U.S. travel plans, redirecting their tourism dollars to domestic destinations like Toronto.
“We’re bullish about the summer ahead,” said a senior Toronto tourism official, noting the city’s wide range of attractions from festivals and food scenes to waterfronts and sporting events as key draws for both local and international travelers.
To counter the dip in U.S. footfall, Toronto is focusing on attracting more domestic tourists and visitors from overseas, particularly the U.K. British tour operators have reported increased interest in Canadian destinations, thanks to the favorable exchange rate and Canada’s international reputation for safety and hospitality.
Despite global economic challenges and political headwinds, Toronto tourism leaders believe the city is well-positioned to benefit from shifting travel preferences. Their strategy involves ramping up marketing campaigns, emphasizing unique experiences, and tapping into broader trends in eco-tourism and cultural travel.
Officials acknowledge that continued unpredictability in international travel patterns remains a concern. Still, they remain hopeful that Toronto’s resilience and offerings will help ensure a vibrant summer season.
