Empire State Development Corporation
08/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/21/2026 09:07
Governor Hochul Extends Invitation to Canadian Travelers to Visit New York State
New I LOVE NY Promotion Highlights Savings to Canadian Visitors
Travel from Canada to New York Dropped 26% in 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul today extended a special invitation to Canadian travelers by announcing the launch of a NY LOVES CANADA promotion on the I LOVE NY website. This program highlights to Canadian travelers deals and opportunities throughout the state available to visitors during the final weeks of summer in August and September, with some promotions running through December. Savings vary by attraction or lodging, with several offering discounts to encourage travel and offset the currency exchange rate. Canadian visitation to New York State fell more than 26% in 2025. This promotion represents the latest in I LOVE NY's continued efforts to promote cross-border tourism to New York State's dynamic and diverse vacation regions.
"Canada is a strategic and vital ally to New York, and the state's tourism businesses are feeling the impact of fewer visitors traveling to our communities," Governor Hochul said. "Our message is one of love: New York loves Canada, despite whatever headwinds may challenge our fellowship. This new program is our invitation to Canadian travelers. New York and Canada are neighbors by geographic destiny, but we are friends by choice, and we want our Canadian companions to know that they are welcome in New York State."
Canada has long represented New York State's largest inbound international market for travelers. In 2025, overall visitation to New York State grew 1.1% to 321 million visitors - however, the number of international travelers fell 6%, led by significant decreases from north of the border. Spending from Canadian travelers dropped 28% over 2024. Find full statewide and regional tourism reports for 2025.
The NY LOVES CANADA promotion complements the Northern Neighbour Deal from New York City Tourism + Conventions, highlighting offers at hotels, attractions, dining and Broadway shows throughout the City. Businesses and attractions in New York State interested in participating in NY LOVES CANADA are encouraged to contact their regional Tourism Promotion Agency.
Empire State Development Corporation published this content on August 21, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 21, 2026 at 15:07 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]