PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – New York businesses are offering new deals to lure Canadian tourists to the North Country this summer to counter a slump in relations that many have linked to President Trump’s unpopular tariffs.
“The campaign is strongly focused on deals for our Canadian travelers,” said Kristy Kennedy with the North Country Chamber of Commerce.
She says they knew something needed to be done to encourage Canadians to visit after months of fewer travelers visiting since the president’s trade war ignited this spring. “Our marinas and campgrounds — they are not seeing new business, but they haven’t seen a ton of cancellations yet either. So, if they had already reserved a space in the fall, they are coming, they are just not getting new business.”
As tourism season approaches, Kennedy says the chamber devised its own. “We thought, hey, let’s contact our hospitality businesses and see what they are willing to offer,” she said.
Nine businesses stretching from Plattsburgh to Lake Placid have lined up so with “Cross Border Specials.” That includes Adirondack ElliptiGO, a Plattsburgh bike shop.
“A one-day free rental to invite Canadians to come down here and to visit and to enjoy our accommodations and to enjoy all of our attractions around here,” said the store’s Donald Moore. “The Canadians have always been very important to the economy here, and I would like to see them coming back and welcome them with open arms.”
The chamber says the deals are set to run until October, but they haven’t ruled out extending them.
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