The United States, a global tourism titan with iconic draws like New York, San Francisco, and Yosemite National Park, welcomed 66.5 million international visitors in 2023, a number likely surpassed in 2024.
Yet, the outlook for 2025 dims as Donald Trump’s reelection and its fallout—shifting foreign relations and domestic policies—sour global perceptions, prompting a wave of trip cancellations that could dent the U.S. economy.
A Tourism Economics report now forecasts a 5.5% drop in inbound travel this year, a stark reversal from an earlier 9% growth prediction, potentially costing the U.S. $18 billion in tourist spending. Canada, the top source of U.S. visitors, is driving this decline. Since Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, border crossings have plummeted by up to 45% on some days, with air bookings down over 70%, per OAG data.
Air Canada is slashing routes to U.S. hotspots like Las Vegas, reflecting a 36% cancellation rate among Canadian travelers, per a Leger poll. The U.S. Travel Association warns a mere 10% drop could erase $2.1 billion and 140,000 hospitality jobs.
Trump’s polarizing rhetoric—targeting migrants, foreigners, and the LGBTQ+ community—alongside tariff wars, is cited as fostering an unwelcoming climate. Western Europe, accounting for 37% of overseas U.S. visitors in 2024, is also wavering. YouGov’s March poll shows favorability tanking, with 53% of Britons, 56% of Germans, and 74% of Danes viewing the U.S. negatively—record lows since 2016. Trade tensions and perceived U.S. alignment with Russia in Ukraine further deter Europeans.
Border enforcement adds friction. High-profile detentions—like a British woman held for ten days or a Canadian chained for 12—have spurred travel advisories from Canada, the UK, and Germany, warning of arrests.
Mexico, the second-largest market, saw a 6% air travel dip in February, echoing a 3% decline during Trump’s first term. Visa delays and rules mandating biological sex disclosure are alienating transgender travelers, with Europe issuing specific cautions.
As tourists pivot—Bermuda reports a Canadian booking surge, and Europe sees a 32% rise in summer rentals—the U.S. faces long-term risks. Events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could falter amid visa waits topping 700 days. With $18 billion at stake, the U.S. tourism industry, a $2.36 trillion GDP driver per the World Travel and Tourism Council, braces for a challenging road ahead. With Inputs from PTI.