Rochester tourism experts remain optimistic despite tariff-induced travel cost concerns

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — As the travel season approaches, experts are assessing the potential impact of the Trump administration's recent tariffs on the Rochester area.

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Despite President Donald Trump's firm stance on 10% tariffs and escalated tariffs against China, the administration reports that numerous countries are seeking to negotiate trade deals.

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Local hotel owner Rosemary Janofsky, proprietor of The Ellwanger Estate, said she has already noticed price increases.

"I received notice that coffee, my coffee that I get locally sourced, is going up 25% as of May 2, and that's on top of the 10, 12% they already raised six months ago," she said.

MORE: 'I'm worried': Local coffee shop owner, customers on edge over new tariffs

While cost increases for business expenses have trickled down to the customer, Janofsky also reported a decline in reservations, particularly from Canadian guests, who she said make up about 20% of her clientele.

Mark Gruba, communications specialist for AAA Western and Central New York, acknowledged concerns about rising costs but said people will still travel and AAA's research supports the claim amid the inflation of recent years.

But Gruba and another expert said the broader effects of tariffs on travel in and out of Rochester are still unclear.

"I think that the concern on a lot of people's part is that prices are going to go up. That could include things like airfare or hotels, car rentals, any number of things in the space," said Gruba. "Even as prices go up, they will find a way to trim other areas of their household budget to make sure they get in that much-needed vacation."

Don Jeffries, president and CEO of Visit Rochester, said the situation is still evolving.

"It's really early in this, and it seems to be changing daily, but we do about 110 meetings and conventions and about 95 sporting events, and we have not had one cancellation due to this," he said.

"Most of the travel that's going on right now or will take place in the next few weeks or month or so is travel that was already booked, plans that were made before the tariffs were even announced," Gruba added.

Jeffries also said that Canadians account for about 15% of tourists to the area, and last year's Rochester International Jazz Festival attracted visitors from 14 different countries.

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Gruba recommended consulting a trusted travel agent and buying trip insurance to ease concerns and achieve savings if planning a trip.

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