Staff Reporter
Philadelphia is witnessing a notable decline in Canadian tourists this year, reversing years of post-pandemic growth in international tourism. City officials now expect overall international tourism in Philadelphia to fall nearly 10% in 2025, largely due to a projected 17.75% drop in Canadian visitors. Canadians, who make up roughly 40% of Philadelphia’s international tourism annually, have historically been a cornerstone of the city’s travel economy.
Story Highlights
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Canadian visitors to Philadelphia projected to drop 17.75% in 2025.
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Overall international tourism in Philadelphia expected to decline nearly 10%.
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Visa changes, tariffs, and U.S. travel perception cited as key factors.
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European travel down 2.9%, while Indian travel projected to rise nearly 7%.
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Philadelphia International Airport saw 11% rise in international arrivals in August.
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New $250 refundable visa deposit may impact international travelers starting October.
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Philadelphia looks to rebound in 2026 with FIFA World Cup and 250th U.S. anniversary events.
The decline is part of a broader shift in international travel to the United States. Changing visa policies, tariffs, and the global perception of traveling to the U.S. are cited by tourism experts as key factors.
Svetlana Yazovskikh, vice president of global tourism at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, explained the shift in traveler sentiment.
“One reason is the global perception of what it feels like to be an international traveler in the United States today,” she said. “Concerns about border crossings and safety are affecting travel decisions, even if these concerns do not reflect reality.”
Philadelphia had experienced steady growth in international tourism since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but trends began shifting in March after a series of tariffs against Canada went into effect on March 4.
National tourism trends mirror Philadelphia’s experience. Data from Tourism Economics, an international economic forecasting firm, indicate that Canadian travel to the U.S. is down more than 25% in 2025. These figures underline the importance of Canadian visitors in supporting Philadelphia’s international tourism sector.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro directly linked the decline to federal policies.
“Policies are making it so people in other countries are afraid to come here or don’t want to come here,” he said at a news conference, adding that the tourism dip is not limited to Philadelphia but is a nationwide trend.
Locally, the decline in Canadian tourism has been noticed in areas beyond Philadelphia. At the Jersey Shore this summer, longtime patrons reported fewer families traveling from Canada. Tourism Economics noted that global policy changes beginning in February, coupled with harsh political rhetoric, contributed to negative travel sentiment toward the U.S.
Despite this, travel from Europe has been less affected, with projections showing a 2.9% decline year-over-year. Meanwhile, Indian travel to the U.S. is expected to rise nearly 7%, reflecting resilience in select markets despite political and economic challenges.
A potential bright spot emerged in August, when Philadelphia International Airport recorded an 11% increase in international arrivals compared to the same month in 2024. However, city tourism data currently extends only through July, leaving questions about the sustainability of this uptick.
Looking ahead, city officials are closely monitoring the upcoming U.S. visa integrity fee, a $250 refundable deposit required on many nonimmigrant visas starting October 1.
“For a family of four, that’s another $1,000 to pay just to enter the United States,” Yazovskikh said.
Despite the challenges, Philadelphia is hopeful for a return to growth in 2026. Major events such as the FIFA World Cup and celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States are expected to drive international tourism.
“2026 is shaping up to be the year of celebration for Philadelphia,” Yazovskikh said.
Philadelphia’s tourism officials continue to emphasize the city’s resilience, noting that interest from international travelers remains strong, especially from Europe and Asia, even amid political and economic uncertainty.
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