Syracuse, New York, is grappling with a noticeable decline in Canadian tourism, which traditionally contributes 10 to 15 percent of visitors to Onondaga County. This downturn, as local officials suggest, arises from federal tariffs, economic instability, and a weakened Canadian dollar that have disrupted travel patterns post-pandemic.
Danny Liedka, President and CEO of Visit Syracuse, extols the charm of Central New York, asserting, “They can come to Syracuse, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a great weekend and get a first-class experience like they’re used to getting at home for half the price.” This allure remains strong despite current challenges.
Cornell University’s Wendong Zhang cautioned about the longer-term consequences of tariffs on the local economy. He stated, “If it is a permanent shock, then this essentially means that purchasing some of the products that you would normally buy in from Syracuse for Canadian citizens would be more costly.” This situation could threaten the sustainability of malls and shops in the area.
Yet, Liedka’s optimism shines through, as he mentions, “We test the market frequently so we know the time is right to go back up there and market a little bit more to drive them to Syracuse.” The region’s strong demand from cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston is helping to mitigate the shortfall in visitors, at least temporarily.
While the weaker Canadian dollar and ongoing economic unpredictability are significant concerns, Visit Syracuse is actively working to attract tourists from nearby urban centres to balance the decline in Canadian visitors.
Canadian tourism in Syracuse has dropped significantly, with federal tariffs, economic uncertainty, and a weaker Canadian dollar impacting travel. Local leaders are optimistic about recovery and focus on drawing visitors from major U.S. cities to mitigate losses.
In summary, Canadian tourism in Syracuse is suffering due to tariffs, economic uncertainty, and currency issues. Local officials are optimistic about stirring renewed interest from potential visitors, particularly those from major U.S. cities. The commitment to bolster tourism despite challenges reflects a determination to adapt and thrive in a changing landscape.
Original Source: cnycentral.com
