Foreign anti-American sentiments, fueled by policies from former President Donald Trump, are having a notable impact on tourism to U.S. cultural institutions, particularly in Northeast Ohio. Attractions such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art, which traditionally draw international visitors, are seeing a decline in foot traffic, especially from Canada.
According to recent data, tourism from Canada has dropped significantly. Advance bookings for flights between Canada and the U.S. from April to September show a decline of over 70% compared to the same period last year, based on figures from aviation data firm OAG. This sharp drop aligns with a broader trend seen across major U.S. airports, where foreign arrivals dropped sharply in mid- to late March, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.
The decline is particularly evident from Canadian visitors, with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame reporting a 30% decrease in visitors from Canada in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Approximately 4% of the museum’s half a million annual visitors come from Canada, underscoring the importance of this demographic. While the Cleveland Museum of Art has not released specific data on foreign visitors, a spokesperson confirmed they are monitoring the trends closely.
The broader trend is also evident in the year-over-year comparison of passengers passing through U.S. customs. Between January 4 and March 28, 2025, the number of U.S. citizens arriving in the country increased by 13.9%, while foreign arrivals dropped by 18.4%. This data suggests the reluctance to visit the U.S. extends beyond just Canadian travelers.
In response, local tourism leaders remain optimistic. Rock Hall CEO Greg Harris expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming summer season, highlighting new exhibits such as the “Saturday Night Live” exhibit set to open Memorial Day Weekend, and the Rock Hall Live summer concert series. “We’re more excited than ever to welcome visitors from all over the world through our doors,” Harris stated.
The tourism slowdown may also affect Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, located near the Canadian border. Although Cedar Point does not release specific foreign visitor statistics, spokesperson Tony Clark remains hopeful that Canadians, as well as global roller coaster enthusiasts, will visit the park this season, which opens in May.
The broader impact of Trump’s policies on international sentiment and long-term U.S. tourism remains a point of concern. The effect on tourist attractions, particularly in areas like Cleveland, is expected to continue drawing attention in the coming months as the global travel landscape evolves.
