U.S. sees decline in international tourism, experts warn of lasting impact
TOI World Desk | Sep 02, 2025, 01:06 IST
U.S. sees decline in international tourism, experts warn of lasting impact
( Image credit : AP )
Tourism in the U.S. has dropped significantly in 2025, with cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York seeing fewer foreign visitors. Experts attribute this to President Trump's tariffs, stricter immigration policies, and controversial remarks. A new travel ban, coupled with economic uncertainty, has also impacted international events, making the U.S. the only country to see a decrease in foreign spending.
The U.S. is experiencing fewer tourists this year, and officials predict this might persist beyond the summer. The United States has seen a noticeable decline in tourism after hosting only a few international visitors this summer. Countries like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York, which usually depend heavily on foreign visitors, faced a downturn this month compared to previous years. The experts blame the downturn on Trump's tariffs and the implementation of stricter immigration laws that have been imposed recently.
The U.S. government implemented a new travel ban in June of this year, restricting nationals of twelve countries from entering the U.S., and also imposing a partial ban on seven other countries for national security concerns. While this ban does not apply to green card holders and individuals with existing visas, it has caused widespread disappointment for individuals with planned trips to the U.S.
Several factors, including Trump's aggressive trade policy and controversial remarks, have alienated potential tourists and caused them to feel unwelcome. There has been a major decline in international visitors from countries like Asia, Europe, and Africa. In addition to the tourism decline, business and large events have also been affected. The International Lindy Hop Championships, an annual swing dance championship, was postponed since competitors from Canada and France declined to participate, as they felt unwelcome due to the ongoing political climate.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the U.S. is recorded to be the only country out of 184 nations to see a decline in spending by international visitors in 2025. Julia Simpson, the council's president, said, "While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the 'closed' sign.”
The U.S. government implemented a new travel ban in June of this year, restricting nationals of twelve countries from entering the U.S., and also imposing a partial ban on seven other countries for national security concerns. While this ban does not apply to green card holders and individuals with existing visas, it has caused widespread disappointment for individuals with planned trips to the U.S.
Several factors, including Trump's aggressive trade policy and controversial remarks, have alienated potential tourists and caused them to feel unwelcome. There has been a major decline in international visitors from countries like Asia, Europe, and Africa. In addition to the tourism decline, business and large events have also been affected. The International Lindy Hop Championships, an annual swing dance championship, was postponed since competitors from Canada and France declined to participate, as they felt unwelcome due to the ongoing political climate.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the U.S. is recorded to be the only country out of 184 nations to see a decline in spending by international visitors in 2025. Julia Simpson, the council's president, said, "While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the 'closed' sign.”