Tourism at a Crossroads: Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition Urges Action

The Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition is calling for “urgent policy clarity and coordinated action,” saying that “the combined effects of tariffs, funding cuts, new fees to enter the United States, and uncertainty at border crossings are undermining recovery, deterring new investment, and reducing opportunities for cultural and economic exchange.”

Terry Dale, President, US Tour Operators Association (USTOA), said that: “Rising tariffs and economic headwinds are cutting into consumer purchasing power, reducing demand for U.S. vacations, and forcing our members to reconsider future investment and hiring.”

Dale made it clear that: “The economic impact has been immediate and measurable — USTOA members are already reporting millions of dollars in lost bookings and revenue, with some projecting a decline of up to 11% in international visitor spending for 2025 alone.”

The USTOA’s President pointed out that: “These losses translate to cutbacks in operations, workforce reductions, and missed opportunities for communities nationwide. The ripple effects across our sector are deeply concerning, underscoring the urgent need for clear, stable policies that support a thriving U.S. travel economy.”

Earlier this year, the Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition – a unified alliance of US and Canadian tourism, trade, and association stakeholders — identified that proactive, collaborative approaches are needed to reverse these trends and restore confidence in an industry that in the past contributed approximately US$2.5 trillion to North America’s GDP, making up nine percent of total economic output.  In the US, tourism supports close to 20 million jobs while in Canada 1.9 million jobs are attributed to the visitor economy.

Jean Hébert, Executive Director, Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO), emphasized that: “Thousands of jobs are on the line as these damaging tariffs disrupt the flow of tourists, drive up costs, and threaten our members’ livelihoods.”

Said Hébert: “The economic toll is immediate: Canadian tour operators are facing millions of dollars in lost bookings and mounting operational costs, with some businesses reporting declines of over 70% in cross-border travel activity for 2025. If decisive action isn’t taken, our communities will feel an economic impact that could take years to reverse as tourism-dependent businesses struggle to survive and local economies miss out on vital revenue.”

Negative Impacts

In its statement, the Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition said that the negative impacts on the visitor economy on both sides of the border continue through what is traditionally tourism’s busiest season across North America.

These impacts include:

• Plummeting Travel Bookings: Foreign tourist spending in the U.S. is forecasted to drop by 11% in 2025, an $18 billion loss. Advanced air bookings between Canada and the U.S. have fallen by over 70% year-over-year.
• Hospitality Warning Signs: Major hotel chains and urban tourism boards are bracing for sharp declines (as much as 6-7% in some cities) in international visitation owing to economic and policy headwinds, with companies adjusting revenue forecasts downward.
• Consumer Impacts: Tariffs are driving the cost of goods higher on both sides of the border, eroding discretionary travel budgets and undermining consumer and business confidence in travel planning.
• Regional & Indigenous Impact: Community initiatives and Indigenous-led tourism are being threatened by reduced travel, job cuts, and cultural setbacks.

Shannon Stowell, CEO of The Adventure Travel Trade Association, said that: “The ATTA’s recent global survey makes it clear: political instability and uncertain government policies are being sharply felt across the adventure travel sector. Our research shows that 93% of U.S. operators and 89% of their international counterparts anticipate negative impacts for at least the next year.”

Stowell observed that: “While our industry is holding steady for now, the greatest challenge is uncertainty — especially around finances, safety, and the potential for sudden policy changes that disrupt travel plans and business confidence. As an industry, we must continue to adapt, but lasting resilience will require stronger support, greater policy clarity, and a renewed commitment to cross-border collaboration.”

Restore Confidence

All members of the Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition are urging policymakers in the U.S. and Canada to prioritize negotiation, transparency, and cross-border cooperation over protectionist measures. Divisive trade and fiscal policies need to be reassessed in favour of approaches that restore confidence and support the livelihoods of millions.

Catherine Prather, President of the National Tour Association, said that: “Both the U.S. and Canadian tourism economies have lost millions in revenue due to drastically reduced cross-border travel. The economic impact ripples across communities — from tour companies of all sizes to main street hotels and restaurants, iconic attractions, big cities, and rural destinations—many of which depend heavily on cross-border tourism to stay afloat.”

Said Prather: “Beyond advocating for stability, proper funding, and common-sense policy, we urgently need to restore global confidence that the U.S. remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive destination. Without that commitment, the long-term viability of our industry and the communities we support is at serious risk.”

Pointing out that “motorcoach tourism is the backbone of North American travel, generating $90 billion annually in group travel,” Fred Ferguson, President and CEO of the American Bus Association, said that: “Our industry supports 500,000 jobs and countless small businesses, providing accessible and sustainable travel options for all. As a vital economic driver, motorcoach tourism fuels local economies and enriches communities. It’s essential that policies continue to promote both vibrant international and domestic travel—ensuring long-term growth and opportunity for our industry and the travelers we serve.”

While Carylann Assante,CAE,  CEO of the Student and Youth Travel Association (SYTA), pointed out that: “Student and youth travel is a cornerstone of North America’s visitor economy, generating billions in economic activity, supporting thousands of jobs, and providing life-changing educational and cultural experiences for young people each year. These journeys foster global understanding and inspire future leaders. Sadly, new tariffs and ongoing economic instability are making travel unaffordable for many schools and families. Rising costs, canceled programs, and greater uncertainty are cutting off opportunities just when our youth need them most.”

And Assante added: “Protecting student and youth travel isn’t just about economics—it’s about safeguarding access to learning, exchange, and hope for the next generation.”

A Threat to Indigenous Tourism

Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association (ITAC), said that: “Indigenous tourism is a vital bridge connecting communities, cultures, and economies across Canada and the United States. This sector creates opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs, fosters cultural revitalization, and delivers unique experiences that attract millions of travellers every year.”

“But the recent wave of tariffs and mounting political instability,” Henry continued, “threatens all we have built. Rising costs and uncertainty hurt Indigenous-owned businesses disproportionately, putting jobs, livelihoods, and intergenerational knowledge at risk. To protect the promise of Indigenous tourism—for our communities and for future generations—our leaders must restore stable, open, and collaborative cross-border policies that allow Indigenous tourism to thrive.”

As for Lisa Simon, CEO of the International Inbound Travel Association (IITA), she made it clear that: “International inbound travel is one of America’s strongest economic exports and a powerful tool for global connection — yet it’s being undermined by shortsighted policies, increased entry costs, and damaging rhetoric.”

And Simon noted: “Our members are seeing lower bookings for the fall and into 2026 due to avoidable barriers like visa delays, excessive fees, and policy unpredictability. This is not just bad for business — it’s bad for America’s global image. We call on U.S. leaders to treat inbound travel as the essential economic and diplomatic asset it is and to act urgently to restore competitiveness, clarity, and confidence in traveling to the United States.”

Sebastien Desnoyers-Picard, President and CEO of Destination Original Indigenous Tourism (DO-IT), observed that: “For Destination Original Indigenous Tourism, we’ve seen firsthand how recent regulations are jeopardizing opportunities on the world stage — including Indigenous inclusion in major cultural showcases. With global eyes turning to North America for events like the upcoming FIFA World Cup, this is our chance to welcome guests to our lands and lift up Indigenous musicians, artists, and creators from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Now, those voices risk being silenced.”

And Desnoyers-Picard concluded: “This is more than a cultural loss — it’s a missed economic opportunity in marketing, sales, and global reach for communities already facing barriers. The impact could be profound and far-reaching.”

Members of the Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition include:

• Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)
• American Bus Association (ABA)
• Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO)
• Destination Original Indigenous Tourism (DO-IT)
• Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)
• International Inbound Travel Association (IITA)
• National Tour Association (NTA)
• Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA)
• United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA)

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