New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced on Apr. 2 that international tourism to New York dropped sharply in 2025, with a decrease of more than 176,000 overseas visitors, making it the second largest decline among states after California. DiNapoli said this drop is linked to federal tariffs and other policies, which are also contributing to a reduction in state exports.
The decrease in international visitors has affected the state’s economy by reducing spending and leading to fewer jobs, especially in hotels and restaurants near the Canadian border. The number of travelers from Canada fell by over 21%, or nearly 3.6 million people, while exports to Canada decreased by $3.8 billion due to tariffs.
“Federal policies are driving foreign travelers away and taking billions in tourism spending and harming our economy as exports substantially decline,” DiNapoli said. “That loss of revenue means fewer jobs in New York and tougher times for those working in the tourism industry. We’re already seeing the consequences, especially in hotels and restaurants in those regions near the Canadian border. New York is a top destination for tourists to the U.S., and policies that welcome and encourage international travel are needed to avoid damaging economic consequences.”
According to DiNapoli’s report, international travelers spent nearly $17 billion in New York during 2024 based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Despite this spending, tourism-related Gross Domestic Product remained flat through 2025; hotel occupancy declined by 1.2%. Employment patterns varied across regions: jobs fell by 2.6% in the North Country region and by 2% in Western New York but increased slightly—by about one percent—in New York City.
In industries related to international travel such as accommodation and food services—which accounted for almost three-quarters of sector employment—job numbers were down slightly despite overall private sector job growth elsewhere statewide during this period.
The report also noted an overall drop of more than two million visits at national park sites across New York State as well as declining attendance at major state parks including Jones Beach, Bear Mountain, and Niagara Reservation.
Export figures reflected similar challenges attributed largely to new tariff policies introduced under President Trump’s administration beginning early last year: exports decreased with almost half of all trading partners; most notably Canada (down $3.8 billion), Israel ($1.4 billion), while Belgium saw a significant percentage drop even though it is not among top trade partners for the state.
However, there was growth reported for exports destined for Switzerland, United Kingdom (more than tripling compared with previous year) mainly due to higher prices on nonferrous metals excluding aluminum—a trend which did not offset net export losses when these goods were excluded from calculations.
DiNapoli continues tracking federal support impacts through an online tool monitoring changes affecting key industries within New York’s economy along with releasing ongoing reports about how both pandemic recovery efforts—and now federal policy shifts like tariffs—are influencing statewide tourism.
