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SEPTEMBER 2025:

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Vermont, Quebec mayors unite against U.S. tariffs, warn of sharp tourism losses - Global News

Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and other Vermont and Quebec mayors at a press conference in Granby, Quebec, united to denounce U.S. tariffs and highlight their negative impact on cross-border tourism and small businesses. The mayors stress the deep economic and cultural ties between their regions and urge Washington to reverse policies that threaten jobs, local economies, and the livelihoods of small business owners. Their call to action reflects the mission of the Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition (BBTC), which advocates for open borders, economic stability, and the preservation of cultural and Indigenous connectivity.

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Canadian tourism saw stronger summer bookings as travellers boycott the U.S. - The Globe and Mail

Canada is experiencing significant increases in domestic tourism this summer, driven by travelers’ reluctance to visit the U.S. amid trade disputes, tariffs, and border anxieties. Companies like Karma Campervans and airlines such as Porter and WestJet saw notable growth in bookings, while Canadians opted for local destinations over traditional U.S. vacations. This trend reflects a broader shift away from cross-border travel, with Statistics Canada recording a 29% year-over-year drop in Canadian return trips from the U.S. The Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition has consistently warned that such disruptions threaten economic stability, employment, and cultural exchange across North America.

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Wildfires, labour disruptions burn tourism operators’ bottom line - The Globe and Mail

Canadian tourism operators are facing significant challenges in 2025, including wildfires that have destroyed accommodations and disrupted travel in Jasper, Alberta, and northern regions, as well as labour issues at Air Canada. These disruptions have led to a sharp reduction in visitors, cancellations, and millions in lost revenue, particularly affecting businesses that rely on cross-border tourism from American clients. Indigenous tourism operators have also been hit hard, with some areas reporting up to a 30% decline in business. The ripple effects include diminished local spending, economic strain on communities, and threats to cultural revitalization efforts. These developments underscore the urgency for coordinated advocacy and cross-border policy solutions.
 

AUGUST 2025:

 

Guest Op-Ed: Borders or Barriers? Why Suspending Youth Travel Jeopardizes Cultural Understanding - travelmarket report

Carylann Assante of the Student & Youth Travel Association, addresses the Girl Guides of Canada’s decision to suspend group travel to the U.S. in response to restrictive border policies. This move, though rooted in safety and inclusivity, risks undermining the transformative power of international youth travel—a cornerstone of BBTC’s mission. The piece argues that barriers to travel instill lifelong anxieties and mistrust, jeopardizing future collaboration and economic prosperity between Canada and the U.S. It presents research showing travel’s unique role in fostering empathy, personal growth, and academic development, benefits that no classroom can replicate. The loss of these opportunities not only stifles cultural understanding but also threatens the $13B annual spend by U.S. visitors in Canada and the $18B projected loss in U.S. foreign tourist spending for 2025.

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Despite a Crippled Travel Economy, Trump Slams Canada with Increased Tariffs - Open Jaw

US tariff increases on Canadian goods—now at 35% are severly impacting cross-border tourism and economic activity. BBTC’s mission to foster open borders and support sustainable tourism economies is directly threatened, as the coalition’s own data and statements are cited: cross-border travel is down as much as 70%, and even a 10% drop in Canadian travel to the US could erase $2.1 billion in spending and threaten 140,000 American tourism jobs. The piece underscores how tariffs and reciprocal measures are compounding the challenges for border communities, airlines, and hospitality businesses, with Air Canada’s profits halved and regional economies devastated. BBTC’s advocacy for coordinated, stable policies is more urgent than ever, as the article echoes the coalition’s warning of “historic uncertainty” and the need for immediate action to restore confidence, protect livelihoods, and ensure that tourism can continue to drive economic growth and cultural connection across North America.

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JULY 2025:

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Our Heritage Knows No Borders - Canadian Travel Press

Indigenous tourism, championed by AIANTA, is a $15.7 billion industry that supports self-determination, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment for Indigenous communities across North America. The article addresses the impact of trade disputes and declining Canadian arrivals, emphasizing that authentic Indigenous tourism experiences transcend political boundaries and foster mutual respect. It calls for travelers and policymakers to support Indigenous-owned initiatives, while AIANTA’s strategic partnerships—including with Canadian and New Zealand organizations—demonstrate the urgency of cross-border cooperation and advocacy.
 

North American Tourism at a Crossroads: Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition Urges Action as New Tariffs and Political Instability Stall Recovery for Tourism Industry - Groups Today
 

Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition says “Historic Uncertainty” Gripping Cross-Border Travel - Travel Market Report, Canada
 

US-Canada Tourism Organization Stresses Need for Collaboration, Economic Recovery - Travel Pulse 
 

Canada-US Tourism Group Alarmed as “Historic Uncertainty” Sparks Massive Losses - Open Jaw