Experts: Trump Policies Blamed for Decline in U.S. Tourism/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ International travel to the U.S. has dropped significantly in 2025, with tourism experts warning the downturn may continue beyond the summer. Rising costs, political tensions, and Trump-era policies have deterred global travelers. Cities like Buffalo and events like international dance competitions are feeling the impact.
U.S. Tourism Downturn Quick Looks
- U.S. sees drop in international visitors across major cities in 2025
- Buffalo’s campaign to attract Canadians falls short this summer
- Experts cite Trump’s return, tariffs, immigration crackdown as major deterrents
- U.S. projected to be the only nation with falling foreign visitor spending
- Travel to U.S. down from Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Some events canceled or postponed due to perceived unwelcoming climate
- Canadian travel to U.S. sharply declines; reverse border traffic grows
- Destination cities pivot to domestic tourists to recover losses
- Airline bookings suggest weak inbound travel may persist
- U.S. regions like Wisconsin and domestic air travel see stronger performance
Deep Look
Experts Warn U.S. International Tourism Slump Could Last Beyond 2025
LAS VEGAS — Despite signs of life in some domestic markets, international tourism to the U.S. is facing a sustained slump that analysts and industry leaders warn may extend well beyond the summer travel season.
From border towns like Buffalo to global tourist magnets like Las Vegas and New York, the number of international visitors has dropped significantly. The causes are broad and complex, but many observers agree that political rhetoric and restrictive policies under President Donald Trump’s second term are playing a critical role.
Buffalo’s Canadian Visitors Stay Home
Buffalo, New York — a city long dependent on the summer flow of Canadian visitors — launched a billboard campaign this year with the message “Buffalo Loves Canada,” offering a $500 gift card giveaway in hopes of luring travelers. Over 1,000 Canadians entered the promotion, but the expected wave of tourism never materialized.
“It’s disheartening,” said Patrick Kaler, CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara. “To see traffic drop off so significantly, especially because of rhetoric that can be changed, is frustrating.”
Canada, which sent more than 20 million visitors to the U.S. last year, is now seeing an historic shift: for the first time in nearly 20 years — excluding the pandemic — more Americans are driving into Canada than Canadians entering the U.S.
Forecast: U.S. Alone in Decline
The World Travel & Tourism Council projected this spring that the U.S. will be the only country among 184 studied to experience a decline in foreign visitor spending in 2025. That, according to the council, is a “clear indicator” that the appeal of visiting the U.S. is fading.
“The world’s biggest travel and tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction,” said WTTC President Julia Simpson. “While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign.”
Tourism Economics adjusted its projections this month, showing an 8.2% drop in foreign arrivals for the year — slightly better than earlier estimates but still well below pre-pandemic numbers.
Trump-Era Policies Drive Perception Issues
Trump’s reinstatement of several first-term policies — including a travel ban on certain African and Middle Eastern nations, stricter visa rules, and escalated immigration enforcement — is believed to be discouraging travelers.
“Perception is reality,” said Deborah Friedland of the Eisner Advisory Group. “The perception now is that the U.S. is less welcoming to foreigners.”
Tariffs on international goods and inflammatory comments — including recent statements about acquiring Canada and Greenland — have further strained relationships and made potential tourists rethink visiting the U.S.
Events and Tourism Hit by Sentiment Shift
The ripple effects are hitting not just cities but also cultural and sporting events. Organizers of the International Lindy Hop Championships, typically held in Harlem, postponed their event after foreign competitors from countries like France and Canada pulled out.
“Dancers are telling us they don’t want to come here,” said event co-producer Tena Morales. “The climate is still the same.”
Washington, D.C., where Trump recently took control of Union Station and deployed National Guard units, expects a 5.1% drop in international visitors this year. The city’s marketing agency, Destination DC, plans a campaign to counter “negative rhetoric” and show a more welcoming side of the capital.
Foreign Travel to U.S. Declines Across Continents
According to National Travel and Tourism Office data, international arrivals are down across Western Europe, Asia, and Africa. As of July:
- Visitors from Denmark declined 19%
- Visitors from Germany dropped 10%
- French tourists fell by 6.6%
- Asian travelers from Hong Kong, Indonesia, and the Philippines saw double-digit decreases
- Fewer travelers arrived from across Africa
There were a few exceptions. Arrivals from Argentina, Brazil, Japan, and Italy rose slightly in recent months — but not enough to offset the larger trend.
Some Regions See Domestic Tourism Uptick
Not all U.S. destinations suffered this summer. Door County, Wisconsin, reported strong tourism fueled by Midwestern visitors. Local businesses rebounded after a slow start, thanks in part to domestic travelers filling the gap left by international tourists.
“We had a bustling summer,” said Jon Jarosh of Destination Door County. “Our sidewalks were full and restaurants packed.”
U.S. airlines also reported strong domestic bookings, particularly in premium classes. The Federal Aviation Administration is preparing for the busiest Labor Day weekend in 15 years, according to flight analytics firm Cirium, which saw a 2% rise in domestic bookings over last year.
Still, such gains don’t fully compensate for the sharp decline in foreign travel. In July alone, Canadian residents returning from the U.S. by car fell 37%, and air returns dropped 26%, according to Statistics Canada.
Visit Buffalo Niagara has shifted marketing efforts toward domestic cities like Boston and Chicago and relied on youth sports tournaments to help fill hotel rooms.
“We’ll always welcome Canadians back when the time is right,” Kaler said. “They’re not just transactions to us — they’re part of the community.”
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