Tariffs Spark Worries About Decrease in Canadian Tourism

Experts say it's too soon to calculate the monetary value of lost revenue, but there has been anecdotal evidence that Canadians will choose not to spend money in America.

FARGO, N.D. – Local leaders are raising concerns that the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration may put a damper on Canadian tourism in North Dakota.

Experts believe that tourism generates over $300 million a year in tax revenue for the Fargo-Moorhead area.

However, the U.S. Travel Association estimates a 10% reduction in Canadian tourist visits in the wake of the Trump tariffs.

Charley Johnson, President/CEO of Visit Fargo-Moorhead, says it’s too early to have hard numbers on the impact, but that he’s heard through the grapevine that Canadian tourists are more likely to stay away.

That’s bad news, as the local economy receives quite the boost from outside visitors.

“Hotel room revenue alone in Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo last year was about a hundred and fifty-four million dollars,” he explained.

“That’s just for hotel rooms. Not for any other spending that someone does while they’re here.”

The state tourism director for North Dakota echoed a similar sentiment, saying it’s impossible to determine the impacts at this exact moment, but that some Canadians have been vocal about their displeasure.