What's happened
Foreign visitors to the US declined by 1.6% in the first seven months of 2025, driven by policies and rhetoric under President Trump. Canadian visitors have fallen sharply, while Chinese tourists remain resilient despite tougher visa rules. Experts link the decline to geopolitical tensions and policy shifts.
What's behind the headline?
The decline in US international tourism is a direct consequence of policy and rhetoric. The US's hardening stance on immigration, tariffs, and geopolitical disputes has damaged its global image as a welcoming destination. Airline booking data indicates this slowdown will persist, with an 8.2% drop in arrivals forecasted for 2025. The impact is uneven: while European and Asian visitors decline, some countries like Mexico see growth, and Chinese tourists continue to visit despite increased visa hurdles. The US’s reputation as a travel destination is deteriorating, which could have long-term economic consequences. The shift in cross-border travel, exemplified by more Americans driving into Canada, underscores a broader regional realignment driven by political tensions.
What the papers say
The Independent and Al Jazeera both highlight the ongoing decline in foreign visitors, attributing it to Trump’s policies and rhetoric. The Independent emphasizes the drop in Canadian visitors and the shift in border travel, quoting local officials and industry leaders who see the decline as linked to perceived hostility. Al Jazeera notes the consistent monthly decline since Trump’s presidency began, with specific mention of the impact on Chinese tourists and the postponement of international events like swing dancing competitions due to perceived US hostility. Both sources agree that geopolitical tensions and policy shifts are central to the decline, but The Independent provides more detail on the economic forecasts and regional impacts, while Al Jazeera emphasizes the global perception and specific country responses.
How we got here
Since Trump’s return to the White House, US policies including tariffs, immigration crackdowns, and rhetoric about acquiring Canada and Greenland have created a perception of hostility. This has led to a decline in international tourism, with notable drops from Europe and Asia, and a shift in cross-border travel patterns, such as more Americans driving into Canada than vice versa.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are US Tourist Numbers Declining in 2025?
Tourism to the US has seen a noticeable drop in 2025, raising questions about what's driving this decline. From policy changes to political rhetoric, many factors are at play. Curious about how these issues impact travel plans and which countries are most affected? Below, we explore the key reasons behind the decline and what it means for future travel to the US.
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