Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser
Tariffs on Canada could harm Louisiana’s tourism industry, which is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser. noted, Canada is the state’s largest international tourism market. However, President Trump’s tariffs have discouraged travel, leading some Canadian officials to cancel upcoming visits.
“40% of our international visitors come grom Canada. It’s our largest international market. We’re already seeing most of those groups cancel this year.”
Although the Super Bowl in New Orleans is expected to boost tourism this year, the state has not yet returned to its pre-pandemic numbers. In 2019, Louisiana welcomed over 53 million visitors, but Nungesser says that because of the tariffs, tourism this year will suffer.
“At the Super Bowl/Mardi Gras, I went so far to say were looking at breaking another record that we set in 2019. Prior to COVID, we had five record-breaking years. Because of the tariffs, we’re not gonna reach that record.”
Nungesser says he is seeing cancellations all over the state from Canada and has talked with Canadian Mayors. He says Canada still love Louisiana, they can’t convince them to visit America this year. Nungesser hopes it gets worked out quickly…
“Because the longer it stays, the attitude and dislike for America because the tariffs stay in place, it’s gonna hurt our tourism numbers here in Louisiana greatly.”
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