Seattle Businesses Offer 30% Discounts to Attract Canadian Tourists During Mariners-Blue Jays Series

Seattle businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, are offering steep discounts of around 30% to Canadian visitors during the Toronto Blue Jays' baseball series against the Seattle Mariners in an effort to boost Canadian tourism. This initiative, known as the Open Arms for Canada campaign, aims to counteract a significant decline in Canadian visitors caused by political tensions, tariffs, and unfavorable exchange rates, with border crossings and air travel from Canada to Seattle reportedly down by about 50% and 70%, respectively. The campaign involves over 40 businesses accepting Canadian currency at par upon presentation of valid Canadian ID, reflecting a broader goodwill gesture toward Canadian neighbors amid strained U.S.-Canada relations. Local business leaders emphasize their desire to maintain strong cross-border ties and revive the traditional influx of Canadian sports fans, which typically fills Seattle venues and supports the local economy. While some areas have not yet seen a drop-off, others report much lower Canadian presence than usual, prompting these proactive efforts to attract Canadian tourists back to Seattle. Organizers plan to evaluate the campaign's success and consider similar future initiatives to sustain cross-border tourism.