Mon, Aug 24th 2026 08:10 pm<\/p>\n
New I LOVE NY promotion highlights savings to Canadian visitors<\/p>\n
\u221a Travel from Canada to New York dropped 26% in 2025<\/p>\n
Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul<\/p>\n
On Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul extended a special invitation to Canadian travelers by announcing the launch of a NY LOVES CANADA<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Canadian visitation to New York 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’s dynamic and diverse vacation regions.<\/p>\n \u201cCanada 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,\u201d Hochul said. \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Canada has long represented New York\u2019s largest inbound international market for travelers. In 2025, overall visitation to New York state grew 1.1% to 321 million visitors \u2013 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. Full statewide and regional tourism reports for 2025 are available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n The NY LOVES CANADA promotion complements the Northern Neighbour Deal<\/a> from New York City Tourism + Conventions, highlighting offers at hotels, attractions, dining and Broadway shows throughout the city. Businesses and attractions in New York interested in participating in NY LOVES CANADA are encouraged to contact their regional tourism promotion agency<\/a>.<\/p>\n Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Beyond a border, New York and Canada share a long and vibrant history and a strong trade partnership that has spanned generations. Under Gov. Hochul’s leadership, we want to reinforce the importance of that relationship by encouraging Canadian travelers to plan a visit to explore and experience our state.”<\/p>\n ESD Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, \u201cNew York state is always eager to welcome its friends from north of the border, and these special discounts provide additional reasons for Canadian travelers to extend their summer and kick off fall holidays with the amazing attractions, spectacular lodging and delicious dining available here in the Empire State. From Niagara Falls to the Thousand Islands, to the Adirondacks and all the way down to the Big Apple, there is everything to love for Canadian visitors across New York state.\u201d<\/p>\n NY LOVES CANADA furthers New York’s outreach to Canadian travelers and businesses, which are vitally important to regions throughout the state \u2013 but especially those along the border. I LOVE NY has continually worked to ensure the state’s northern neighbors understand New York appreciates and respects the shared history and close relationship. Efforts include targeted marketing, experiential opportunities, digital and social media outreach, and a Global NY trade mission to Montreal and Toronto last fall.<\/p>\n