| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 28, 2025 Contact: [email protected] ICYMI: Maine Tourism and Small Businesses Struggle Amid Tariff Increases and Canadian Travel Declines As the Trump administration continues to implement across-the-board tariffs and tease even more, Maine businesses are grappling with rising costs, disrupted operations, and growing economic uncertainty. A growing chorus of small business owners, hospitality leaders, and economists are warning that the ripple effects of the continued trade war—and declining Canadian tourism—could hit Maine especially hard this summer.Travel and Tour World | Maine Joins Montana, California, Washington, Florida, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Nevada as US Faces Sharp Canadian Travel Decline Amid Tariffs, Visa Barriers, and Global Tourism RetreatThis coastal gem in Maine, long a favorite among visitors from Quebec and Ontario, is now feeling the weight of a sharp downturn in cross-border travel. The shift comes amid growing tension between Washington and Ottawa, rising visa hurdles, and a broader cooling of global tourism interest in the United States.According to the U.S. Travel Association, international visits to the U.S. were down 14% this March compared to the same time last year. But for Canadian tourists, the drop is even more dramatic—a steep 20.2% decline. And for small towns that rely on that steady influx, like those along Maine’s southern shoreline, the financial sting is already being felt.WMTW | Maine business owners feel pinch from lack of Canadian tourists amid tariff uncertainty[Ken Mason, owner of the Seaside Inn in Kennebunk] said he has heard from Canadian friends and family members who say their national pride is keeping them from visiting the United States. He added that he does not envision any Canadians coming to Kennebunk for Memorial Day weekend.Spectrum News | Maine summer tourism outlook cloudy amid tariffs, concerns about Canadian visitors“By the middle of February, I had to send back almost $7,000 in deposits and these are people I know, they are friends,” said Ken Mason, inn owner. “I called each one and wanted to ask why.”He asked them if it was the tariffs.“They said no, it’s just basic honor,” Mason said. “Especially, the French Canadians are very very proud and it’s their honor that they said they couldn’t come back.”News Center Maine | Portland bar owner braces for uncertain future amid global challenges“I think that everyone is uncertain … Are people going to come to Maine because of what’s happening in the country and what’s happening in the global economy? I don’t know.” “I think when I talk to other business owners around town, that uncertainty of prices mix with the uncertainty of what is business going to be like is really scary. The best we can do is prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” [said Andrew Volk, the owner of Hunt and Alpine]. ### Tariffs Cost US is a new campaign dedicated to providing the public with reliable, comprehensive information about global trade and tariffs, and their impact on both businesses and consumers. |
