Decline in Canadian Visitors Raises Concerns for New Hampshire’s Tourism Industry
CONCORD, N.H. — Recent data from Statistics Canada indicates a notable decline in Canadian visitors to New Hampshire, a trend that has raised alarms among local economic experts. Following a brief increase in January, where car travel rose by 4 percent, visitation sharply declined in February by 24 percent and further deteriorated by 37 percent in March compared to the previous year. By April 2024, tourist numbers had plummeted by 42 percent.
Canadian tourists comprise a significant portion of New Hampshire’s visitors, particularly at popular destinations like Hampton Beach, where 20 percent of patrons hail from Canada. Overall, Canadians account for 5 to 10 percent of visitors statewide, with peak activity from late July through early August.
Brian Gottlob, an economic analyst and director at the New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau, expressed concern over the swift decline. He noted that Hampton residents are experiencing cancellations from Canadian tourists, which could severely impact the local hospitality sector. "If that continues, it will have profound effects on our tourism industry," he warned.
The ties between New Hampshire and Canada are strong, with Canada serving as the state’s largest trading partner. In 2024, New Hampshire imported around $2 billion in Canadian goods while exporting approximately $1.15 billion in return. Gottlob estimated that prolonged tariffs could lead to a loss of 2,150 jobs in New Hampshire, although recovery might occur within three to four years if tariffs are lifted.
Despite potential economic rebound, Gottlob emphasized the deeper issue of eroded trust and mutual respect in the relationship, indicating that repairing these bonds may prove more challenging.
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