From travel warnings to controversial bridge openings, Canadians have had plenty of reasons to skip out on U.S. travel. Despite the boycotts, several U.S. destinations are still campaigning for Canadian visits. Las Vegas was a recent example with an at-par offer for Canadians. Now, New York City is rolling out the red carpet, with a generous offer of its own. Although Canadians can save hundreds of dollars with the offer, many of those north of the border believe the promotion fails to understand why travel to the U.S. has stalled. The reasons are beyond dollar amounts.
New York City Tourism Has A Head-Turning Offer For Canadians Starting On August 18
New York City Tourism + Conventions has extended a major deal to Canadians in an effort to offset the currency exchange rate. The deal offers a 30% discount on tourism and hospitality businesses. The offer is valid starting on August 18 through September 7.
Along with discounts on hotels, the offer also includes museums, tours, Broadway shows and restaurants.
What The New York City Tourism And Conventions Offer Includes
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–40+ hotels including: Ace Hotel Brooklyn; Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District; The Knickerbocker; Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel; Sofitel New York; Walker Hotels; Westin New York at Times Square; and more. |
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–Attractions, museums & tours: Barclays Center Arena Tours; City Cruises; Edge; Empire State Building Observation Deck; Intrepid Museum; Mercer Labs; New York Hall of Science; New York Yankees; NY Waterway Harbor Tours; Puttery; Untapped New York tours; and more. |
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–Broadway shows: Aladdin; The Book of Mormon; Buena Vista Social Club; Chicago; The Great Gatsby; Maybe Happy Ending; Stranger Things: The First Shadow; and Titaníque. |
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–Restaurants: Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar; Balade; Rivercrest; Stout locations by Penn Station, Financial District, Grand Central and Bryant Park; The Wolfe; and more. |
The campaign focuses on restoring the strong market share of Canadians who have visited New York City over the years. Julie Coker, President and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, said the offer makes it easier for Canadians to choose New York City.
“Canada has long been one of New York City’s most important international markets, and we are focused on strengthening that connection by making it easier and more compelling for Canadian travelers to choose NYC.”
Coker adds that the offer will bring more than just an improved dollar value to Canadians. The hope is for visitors to enjoy an unmatched experience while enjoying New York City’s impressive diversity of activities.
“The Northern Neighbour Deal is a targeted effort to drive travel from our second-largest international market, encouraging Canadians to book a summer visit while generating new business for hotels, attractions, restaurants and cultural organizations across the five boroughs. By partnering with businesses across the City, we are reinforcing New York City’s value, variety and unmatched experiences for Canadian visitors.”
Along with its extensive deals, Porter Airlines has also joined the effort to boost New York City tourism among Canadians. The airline is offering customers discounts on LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International Airport flights until the holiday season.
Porter Airlines Has Also Joined The New York City Offer: Discounts Through December 15 Flights
Porter Airlines named New York its first U.S. destination almost two decades ago, in 2008. Since then, New York has remained a top market for the carrier, even with the recent decrease in U.S. flights among Canadians.
Edmond Eldebs, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Porter Airlines, hopes to entice Canadians with its latest offer.
“Canadians have always appreciated the diversity of experiences that New York City offers, which is unlike any other place in the world. They are continuing to travel there today, and the opportunity to save right now on flights, accommodations, meals and attractions makes it that much more appealing.”
Porter Airlines will offer 20% off all New York itineraries. The flights must be booked by August 7, 2026, and are valid for travel until the holiday season on December 15, 2026.
With Canadians saving on flights, hotels and attractions, the offer will undoubtedly turn heads. However, some Canadians still have mixed reactions to the offer, feeling as though the campaign is missing the point.
Canadians Have Mixed Reactions To Offer: It Misses The Point
The offer has sparked many reactions online, as the Canadian media has put the spotlight on the New York City offer. Although the exchange rate is a factor for some Canadians, others believe the campaign misses the point as to why travelers are avoiding the U.S., especially from Canada.
One person wrote in response to Global TV’s New York City offer video, “This campaign misunderstands why many Canadians aren’t visiting. The reason isn’t because hotel rooms or attractions are too expensive. Rather, many Canadians are choosing NOT to travel to the U.S. because of President Trump’s annexation threats toward Canada, the repeated insults directed at Canadians, the tariffs, and concerns about ICE detentions involving foreign visitors. A 30% discount doesn’t address any of those reasons.”
The same sentiment was shared by another Canadian. A recent statement made by U.S. President Donald Trump has only worsened the relationship between the two countries.
“For any Canadian feeling the inclination to start visiting the US again, let me remind you of reasons why you shouldn’t. In Trump’s own words: “We pay hundreds of Billions of Dollars to SUBSIDIZE Canada. Why? There is no reason. We don’t need anything they have,” another person said in response to the campaign.
With the World Cup coming to an end, the campaign arrives at a pivotal point for New York City. It remains to be seen if the offer will entice Canadians or if they’ll continue to opt for domestic and international travel elsewhere.
