Governor Kathy Hochul has launched a new promotional initiative called NY LOVES CANADA to encourage more visitors from Canada to travel to New York State.
The program, which is hosted on the official I LOVE NY website, highlights various deals and opportunities available to Canadian travelers throughout the state. These incentives, which include savings on lodging and various attractions, are intended to last through the final weeks of summer and into December, with the goal of helping visitors manage the impact of currency exchange rates.
The initiative follows a significant decrease in tourism from Canada. During 2025, Canadian visitation to New York State dropped by more than 26%, while spending by Canadian travelers fell by 28% compared to 2024.
While overall tourism in New York grew by 1.1% in 2025, reaching a total of 321 million visitors, the international market experienced a 6% decline. This reduction was largely driven by the decrease in travelers from Canada, which has long been the state’s largest international inbound market.
The NY LOVES CANADA promotion is designed to complement other regional efforts, such as the Northern Neighbor Deal from New York City Tourism + Conventions, which offers discounts on Broadway shows, dining, and hotels within the city.
State officials noted that the program aims to reinforce the strong relationship between New York and Canada. Tourism leaders highlighted that the discounts are meant to encourage visitors to explore diverse regions, including Niagara Falls, the Thousand Islands, and the Adirondacks, thereby supporting businesses that rely heavily on cross-border travel.
