As Summer Travel Season Kicks Off, Shaheen Holds Roundtable Highlighting Harmful Impacts of Trump Administration Policies on New Hampshire’s Tourism Industry, Small Businesses

(Meredith, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee , convened local Lakes Region business leaders for a roundtable on the state of New Hampshire’s tourism industry, the economic headwinds many small businesses in the industry are facing due to the Trump Administration’s policies and solutions to mitigate the harmful impacts. The roundtable was held on the U.S.S Winnipesaukee Spirit, where Shaheen was joined by representatives from Mount Washington Cruises, Lakes Region Travel Association, Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Winnipesaukee Railroad, Meredith Village Savings Bank, Gunstock Mountain Resort, Ames Farm Inn and Castle in the Clouds. Photos from today’s events can be found HERE. “President Trump’s insulting rhetoric and reckless tariffs are pushing visitors away from our state while gas prices and inflation are spiking due to the war in Iran—burdening Granite State small businesses with rising costs and shrinking revenues,” said Senator Shaheen . “With the summer travel season around the corner, I wanted to speak with local business leaders and hear more about the challenges they’re facing so that I can continue to support New Hampshire’s tourism industry in Washington.” Tourism is New Hampshire’s second largest industry by revenue—supporting 70,000 jobs and powering economies across the state. However, due in large part to the Trump Administration’s reckless tariffs and insulting rhetoric, many local businesses are struggling following a 30% drop in Canadian tourism to New Hampshire in 2025. Now, these business owners are also facing increased energy prices and soaring inflation due to the President’s war in Iran—harming local economies across New Hampshire. As a senior member and former chair of the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee, Shaheen champions New Hampshire’s small businesses. In Congress, Shaheen leads efforts to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s tariffs, including with the introduction of the Speedy Tariff Refund Act to ensure full refunds of President Trump’s illegal tariffs that raised costs for American small business owners. Shaheen also directly called out Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for the harm the Administration has inflicted on New Hampshire’s small businesses. Shaheen has traveled across the Granite State to discuss the impact of tariffs on New Hampshire’s tourism industry and to visit businesses impacted by President Trump’s trade war. ###