Published on
August 24, 2025

The border issues between the United States and Canada have greatly reduced Canadian tourism in Vermont. This is creating complications for Canadian travelers to the United States and is creating issues for local businesses and the economy. As the border issues and tensions between the two countries continue, Vermont officials have started to try and resolve this issue. The officials put in charge of this effort, Secretary of Commerce Lindsay Kurrle and Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts, have taken measures to fix the relationship with Canada. Their meeting with the Canadian parliament member is a positive step to manage the relationship between the two countries and boost tourism. Canadian tourists have greatly reduced spending, and tourism has sharply decreased in the local hotels. This has raised alertness and concern for the Vermont leaders and entrepreneurs.

Border Crossings Decline and Its Effects

The Vermont economy and tourism industry are a major source of income for the entire state, but the lack of Canadian tourists is starting to pose a major issue. The U.S. Border Patrol data shows a comparable dip in the Vermont border crossing at Champlain Rouses. Canadian visitors have decreased at a staggering rate in comparison to the border with Northern New York. The northern border crossings also show a striking decline, along with the maple syrup and crafts industry, which relies on Canadian tourist dollars. The border crossing data from July 2024 to July 2025 show a 39.27% drop in border crossings. New York also suffered revenue drops with a 36.13% decline in Champlain and Rouses Point crossings.

The Hampton Inn St. Albans manager, Maureen Brown, has noted the impact of the recent changes herself. She reported that two Canadian tourism groups canceled their upcoming reservations. Although she did not share the specifics of the rationale for the cancellations, she did comment that it was related to the climate in the U.S. Brown, who also chairs the St. Albans City Downtown Board, noted the broader impact of this trend on the community businesses that he serves and the surrounding businesses. The decline in visitors from Canada poses challenges for businesses that depend on cross-border tourists to sustain their livelihoods.

Vermont’s Commitment to Rebuilding Relations

To help reverse this trend, leaders in Vermont have taken action. Kurrle emphasized Vermont’s commitment to welcoming Canadian visitors back to the state. She talked about the need to reassure Canadians that their tourists are valued and their economy is indeed respected. After the trip, Kurrle also expressed the wish to visit Vermont for Canadian tourists and voiced her readiness to welcome them when they are ready to come. Her determination demonstrates a meaningful commitment that is visible to Canada’s neighbors to the north.

Anson Tebbetts, who is the Secretary of Agriculture of Vermont, shared his optimistic views after the trip, noticing both Canadians and Vermonters want to reconnect. The issues that have impacted the relationship between the two regions have caused a lot of damage; however, both sides are willing to help. He also added that the rebuilding efforts will take time and will begin by fostering connections one step at a time. His outlook indicates Vermont leaders, at the very least, are willing to gradually revive cross-border tourism.

The Extreme Economic Effect on Vermont

The decline in Canadian tourism has economically affected the region, and the state has also had to suffered the impact on spending. Canadian tourists have been a crucial pillar of the tourism economy in Canada and other bordering states. The hotels and resorts, alongside restaurants and the other local businesses, are interdependent, and thus the decline of one makes all suffer equally. The economy as a whole is suffering as the tourism industry that Canadian tourists have been using is now filled with cancellations and a lack of reservations.

Looking at St. Albans, for example, Brown pointed out that it was “definitely an off year” for that area. The cutback in travelers has created a distinct ripple effect within the community. Businesses are struggling to cope with the dwindling Canadian tourism, which has long been the backbone of the local economy. This issue is prompting leaders in Vermont to work even harder to restore ties with their Canadian colleagues.

Canadians are expected to visit Vermont in September 2025 as part of efforts to improve cross-border relations. While the specifics are still being worked out, this is a huge milestone for improving ties and paving the way for increased tourism. Vermont officials are optimistic that this visit will reinforce the gains made during their recent visit to Canada and further motivate Canadians to visit Vermont.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Vermont-Canada Relations

The policy shifts on the part of Vermont’s leaders to restore ties with Canada are of great significance to the state. Vermont is attempting to restore tourism dollars that have been lost as a result of the political climate. As Kurrle and Tebbetts try to tie stronger links with Canadian authorities, they manifest a positive outlook on the fulfillment of these efforts in the not-so-distant future. Their strong welcoming of Vermont and respect for Canadian sovereignty encourage a new chapter of collaboration for the borders to be opened.

Conclusion: A Renewed Commitment to Cross-Border Friendship

Vermont’s leaders seem to grasp that the issue on the political dial is in strong collaboration with Canada, and it is not as dire as it is made to be. The leaders seem positive towards overcoming the now dire straits and seem to strive for prosperity to be restored to the two nations. The tourism and business traffic for Canadian tourists into Vermont is expected to rise, as the state is focusing on a warm welcome, calm respect, and mutual understanding. The leadership’s inaction on both the Canadian and Vermont sides is bound to yield sustainable gains for the countries.