A growing number of international tourists are cancelling or reconsidering travel to the United States, citing a hostile political climate, new visa restrictions, and concerns over arbitrary detentions at immigration checkpoints, a report by The New York Times has said.
The trend comes as the Trump administration moves forward with policies that some foreign officials see as destabilizing trade and diplomatic relations.
A proposed travel ban, which could restrict citizens from up to 43 countries—including Belarus, Cambodia, and St. Lucia—has further fuelled unease among potential visitors.
“So many Americans are looking to escape the tense and toxic atmosphere at home. Why would anyone want to visit, especially right now with all the arbitrary detentions at immigration?” said Mallory Henderson, 53, a marketing consultant in London who usually visits the United States twice a year, but cancelled a trip to visit her brother and niece in Boston this Easter.
Economic impact of declining tourism
The US travel industry, already struggling to recover from the pandemic, faces renewed difficulties.
Even before the change in administration, challenges such as a strong dollar and prolonged visa wait times had kept inbound visitor numbers below pre-pandemic levels.
According to the US Travel Association, foreign visitor spending is now not projected to fully recover until 2026, a target that may become harder to achieve given the latest policy developments.
Travel experts and research firms are adjusting their forecasts downward.
Tourism Economics, which had initially projected a 9% rise in inbound travel this year, revised its estimate in February, now predicting a 5.1% decline.
The downturn equates to an estimated $18 billion loss in travel spending, with Canada leading the drop following new US tariffs.
Canadian travel to the US fell 24% year-over-year in February, forcing airlines such as United and Delta to cut route frequencies.
“The negative sentiment shift is anticipated to be sustained by an evolving mix of Trump administration factors, including geopolitical friction on trade and national security policies, charged rhetoric and adversarial posturing,” said Adam Sacks, the president of Tourism Economics.
Some airlines have already lowered financial forecasts for the year, pointing to decreased demand.
American Airlines and Delta, among others, have acknowledged weaker travel spending, with reductions in flights to Canadian destinations reflecting a broader uncertainty in the travel sector.
Canada, Germany, and the UK issue travel advisories for the US
In response to border security crackdowns and heightened immigration enforcement, several governments, including the UK, Germany, and Canada, have updated their travel advisories for the United States.
Foreign visitors have been warned that holding a valid visa or qualifying for a visa waiver does not guarantee entry, and detentions at US ports of entry have increased.
Recent incidents, such as the reported refusal of a French scientist at the US border after officials searched his phone for critical opinions about the Trump administration, have added to the concerns.
While US authorities have denied any political motivations behind the decision, the case has fuelled further apprehensions about the unpredictability of US immigration policies.
European travellers too rethink plans on Trump’s “sabotage”
Though Canada has been the hardest hit market, European travellers are also rethinking their plans.
Preliminary data from the US National Travel and Tourism Office shows a 1% decline in Western European arrivals in February, a sharp contrast from the 14% increase recorded in the same period last year.
Travel operators in Europe note that while mass cancellations have not yet occurred, interest in alternative destinations is rising.
For some, the decision to cancel US trips is not just about policy but also about principle.
Christoph Bartel, a German resident of Norway, had planned a summer trip to Arizona’s national parks but cancelled following the Trump administration’s decision to fire national park employees and roll back environmental protections.
“It does not feel right to support the American economy when the president is causing so much sabotage,” said Bartel. “We will go to Canada or Mexico instead.”
Britain, another major source of visitors to the US, is also seeing a split in travel behaviour.
Some frequent travellers remain undeterred, while others actively seek alternatives.
Alan Wilson, managing director of the UK-based Bon Voyage Travel & Tours, noted a 5% drop in US bookings this year.
Cost factors, including high hotel prices and tipping expectations, further deter British tourists.
“British travellers absolutely hate the 20% tipping culture and how America always has its hand out for the next gratuity,” Wilson said. “They would rather pay the money upfront.”
US tourism hubs brace for slowdown
In major destinations like New York, California, and Florida, small travel businesses are already feeling the effects.
Luke Miller, owner of Real New York Tours, reported widespread cancellations, particularly from Canadian visitors.
“I just had 20 busloads of seniors cancel their upcoming tours. That’s thousands of dollars in losses for my small business,” said Miller, who has seen bookings decline as far ahead as the winter holiday season.
Recognizing the challenge, tourism boards in New York and California have ramped up marketing efforts to reassure global visitors.
Visit California revised its 2025 visitor spending projections downward to $160 billion from $166 billion, factoring in the slowdown in international arrivals and the impact of January’s wildfires.
Caroline Beteta, president of Visit California, emphasized the state’s continued appeal, saying, “Thanks to California’s strong brand on the global stage, international visitors continue to show a strong affinity for the Golden State.”
New York City, facing similar headwinds, is promoting budget-friendly travel to encourage more visitors.
“This is an excellent opportunity to highlight other boroughs beyond Manhattan that offer award-winning culinary, arts, and cultural experiences,” said Julie Coker, president of New York City Tourism + Conventions.
Despite these efforts, many in the industry remain wary. Miller of Real New York Tours fears that without a rebound in bookings, his business may not survive the downturn.
“The reality is that we are being hit the hardest and might not survive,” he said.
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