Canada Surges While U.S. Declines in International Tourism

New data released this week shows that Canada is experiencing a robust increase in international tourism, outpacing its southern neighbor, the United States, which is facing a steady decline in foreign visitors. As of July 2025, the gap between the two North American nations has become more pronounced.

Canada's success is attributed to a combination of pro-tourism policies, targeted marketing campaigns in Europe and Asia, and a global reputation for safety and inclusivity. In contrast, the U.S. is contending with the effects of political polarization, stricter immigration protocols, and concerns over gun violence, which have impacted its appeal abroad.

Experts also point to affordability as a deciding factor. While travel costs have risen globally, many tourists find Canadian destinations—such as Vancouver, Montreal, and the Rocky Mountains—more competitively priced than similar options in the U.S. The strength of the U.S. dollar has also made it less attractive to budget-conscious travelers.

Canada’s continued investment in green tourism, indigenous experiences, and multilingual visitor services has further boosted its reputation as a welcoming, diverse destination. The country is on track to surpass its pre-pandemic visitor numbers by the end of 2025.

Meanwhile, U.S. tourism boards are scrambling to address the downturn. Industry insiders cite missed opportunities to promote cultural diversity, delays in airport modernization, and inconsistent messaging from federal agencies as obstacles to recovery.

If the current trends hold, Canada could cement its role as North America’s preferred travel destination, while the U.S. may need a strategic overhaul to re-attract its lost market share and reassure international travelers.