Aug. 28, 2025

2024 was a record-breaking year for Buffalo Niagara tourism. This year is different

In 2024, visitors spent more money in Erie and Niagara counties than ever before, with total spending jumping by 6.6%, a new report said.

But that was then.

While the 2024 numbers mark a high point for tourism locally, they already feel like a snapshot from a different time. So far this year, local tourism officials say visitor momentum has slowed, with noticeable drops in Canadian travelers crossing the border for shopping trips and getaways, and fewer international visitors from places such as India.

The number of Canadian travelers crossing Western New York's four international bridges dropped by more than 15% in July, compared to the previous year. Traffic at the Whirlpool Rapids brid

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