New York tourism leaders have made a direct appeal to Canadians to keep visiting the Big Apple, fearing a slump in tourist numbers put off by the ‘negative rhetoric that is coming out of Washington.’
NYC & Company CEO Fred Dixon said: "We want to remind everyone that New York City is welcoming and that we are a diverse and safe city, a sanctuary city like Toronto, and we value the same things."
"We recognize there are challenges at the border at the moment," Dixon added.
NYC and Company predicts 17,000 fewer Canadians will visit this year and expects a so-called ‘Trump Slump’ could be long term.
"It seems like this isn’t going to be a passing situation. We could be in this environment for some time."
The tourism marketing agency has its work cut out to arrest the slump, especially from its nearest neighbors.
The low loony and Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations this year is giving Canadian domestic tourism a much needed boost, and there is a growing number of problems encountered by Canucks at the border, prompting various school and community groups to cancel trips.
Dixon was in Toronto this week to woo more visitors and speak to Canadian tour operators.
