Tourist operators from northern NY feel a summer crisis while Canadians remain away en masse

Deer River campsite in New York State is calmer than usual this year. The beach is less crowded and the inhabitants of the lake are safer from eager fishermen.

The campsite, about 50 kilometers south-east of Cornwall, Ontario, is one of the many American companies near the border that feels the bite of Canadian summer vacationers boycotting trips to the United States

According to the co -owner Gil Paddock, the campsite of 83 sites relies almost entirely on summer campers to stay in business. During a normal year, Canadians represent a third of its summer visitors.

But this year, things are different. Border crossings in the United States from Canada have broken down. In June, 17% less people went to New York from Canada as in the same period last year.

It was a fight for business owners like Paddock. The retired state soldier has managed the campsite for 43 years, but this year was one of the worst for business.

“The way we go, my net result will be below other years by a lot,” he said. “I just have to ride with the punches, I suppose.”

Paddock blame a culture of fear that develops around American borders. He heard potential visitors are concerned about their security on the border or when they reach their destination in the United States.

Those who made the trip this summer are mainly regular customers, and Paddock said they had no problem crossing the border.

“There is nothing to be afraid,” he said.

Paddock is not alone. Dan Kelleher, CEO of the Regional Sustainable Tourism Office (ROOST) in Lake Placid, NY, said that hotel revenues in the region are down around 8%, and that restaurant sales have dropped from 20 to 30%.

He blames boycotts as well as economic fears – the Canadian dollar has been having a value of around 73 cents for months.

“I think some of this are just a general economic anxiety linked to pricing threats, both [from] The Americans and our Canadian visitors, “he said.

Roost has increased its marketing budget for the region, but companies still feel pinch.

Doug Haney, who directs Adirondacks of bikes based in Saranac Lake, NY, offers a 15% discount to Canadians during some of the bicycle visits of his business this summer, but says that the demography which represents once 15% of his business remains disengaged.

“This is one of those things where you feel quite helpless,” he said. “I could spend marketing dollars to reach the Canadian audience, but it would simply be throwing him in the air and letting him fly away.”

Haney said he is getting comments on the social networks of Canadians daily who will not go to the United States as long as his country does not change.

“I understand and I understand it and I sympathize and I am empathetic,” he said. “We are here every time you are ready to come.”