Canada, Mexico, UK, France, Japan, Germany May Stay Away from US Travel, Losing Twelve and a Half Billion USD, Nine Percent Decline in International Tourists Arrival, Making a Sharp Decline in American Tourism Sector, This is What Affecting Most Now

Canada, Mexico, the UK, France, Japan, and Germany may stay away from U.S. travel in 2025—and the economic fallout could be enormous. The latest numbers confirm what many in the travel industry have feared: a chilling wave of declining international visits is sweeping across the nation. With a projected nine percent decline in international tourist arrivals, the U.S. is staring down a tourism slump that could cost the country a staggering twelve and a half billion USD this year alone.

It’s not just a dip in numbers—it’s a sharp decline in the American tourism sector with serious ripple effects. From border towns to big cities, the impact is already visible. Hotels are seeing more empty rooms. Tour guides are losing bookings. Restaurants that once buzzed with foreign guests are falling quiet.

This is not just a slow season—it’s a seismic shift.

Canada, Mexico, the UK, France, Japan, and Germany—traditionally America’s strongest inbound markets—are all pulling back. Each of these countries contributed billions in travel spending year after year. But now, strained relations, complex visa policies, and growing global tensions are pushing tourists away. These nations may still love American landmarks and culture, but they’re thinking twice before booking a trip.

And it’s this combination—fewer visitors and lower spending—that is affecting U.S. tourism the most right now.

Meanwhile, other countries are stepping up. They’re opening borders, streamlining entry, and inviting tourists with open arms. But the U.S.? It’s caught in a storm of tariffs, travel hesitations, and fading global goodwill.

Could this be the turning point for America’s global tourism dominance?

As Canada, Mexico, the UK, France, Japan, and Germany distance themselves, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Twelve and a half billion dollars, nine percent fewer tourists, and one battered tourism economy—it all points to a sobering reality. The American travel dream is at risk, and this is what’s affecting it most right now.

A Troubling Trend Emerges: The US Sees a Sharp Drop in International Tourism in 2025

A new red flag has emerged for the U.S. travel industry—and it’s waving louder than ever. Fewer international tourists are visiting the United States in 2025, signaling a concerning shift with wide-reaching implications. According to a recent analysis by Oxford Economics, the decline in foreign tourism is no longer just a post-pandemic hangover—it’s a growing economic concern that may cost billions in lost revenue.

The numbers don’t lie, and the slowdown is real. Fewer travelers are flying in. Fewer are booking hotels. And fewer are spending money in iconic U.S. destinations once bustling with global visitors.

Tourism Drop Hits at the Core of US Economy

The travel and tourism sector is one of the most vital engines of the U.S. economy. In 2019, before the pandemic shook the world, international visitors contributed nearly $200 billion to the American economy. That spending supported more than 1 million jobs across hotels, restaurants, attractions, and transportation.

Now, in 2025, those numbers are under serious threat.

While domestic travel has rebounded strongly, international arrivals remain sluggish. And that matters—because foreign tourists typically spend more per trip than domestic travelers. A missing international audience means fewer luxury purchases, shorter hotel stays, and emptier seats at Broadway shows and guided city tours.

What’s Driving the Decline?

Multiple factors are converging at once.

Flight costs remain high due to rising fuel prices and limited international airline capacity. Visa processing delays continue to frustrate potential travelers, particularly from Asia and South America. Moreover, global economic uncertainty and currency volatility are discouraging long-haul travel for many middle-class tourists.

Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions and safety perceptions also play a role. As other destinations aggressively market themselves as safe and accessible, the U.S. is perceived by some as complex, expensive, or politically unstable.

Add in slow marketing response and minimal federal investment in travel promotion, and the competitive edge begins to dull.

Cities Feel the Pain First

Major U.S. cities are among the hardest hit.

New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Orlando—long considered magnets for international tourism—are already showing signs of strain. Hotel occupancy rates in key districts are down. Luxury retailers in tourist zones are seeing lower foot traffic. And attraction revenue is falling short of projections.

In New York City alone, international travelers once made up over 20% of visitors but generated nearly half of all tourism spending. That imbalance shows how much weight foreign tourists carry in urban economies.

Ripple Effects Across the Travel Industry

The decline doesn’t stop at city borders. The impact spreads across airlines, airports, car rental companies, restaurants, national parks, and event venues. Even small towns that depend on summer tour buses from abroad are reporting quieter streets.

Airlines are adjusting schedules, reducing frequencies on international routes, and reallocating planes to domestic markets. However, this shift brings lower profit margins and fails to capture the spending potential international tourists bring.

Hotels are launching last-minute promotions to fill rooms, often at reduced rates, which slices into profit margins. Staff layoffs or hour cuts are quietly emerging as operators brace for a less-than-optimal summer.

The Visa Bottleneck Crisis

One of the most critical barriers remains the U.S. visa backlog. For many countries, travelers are waiting months—sometimes over a year—for visa appointments. This delay effectively freezes inbound tourism before it even starts.

Business travelers and high-spending tourists from regions like India, Brazil, and China are postponing or canceling trips entirely due to these delays. The long-term damage is not just economic—it’s reputational. Travelers are choosing alternate destinations with faster entry processes.

A Shaky Ground Erode International Travel

In a year already clouded by economic anxiety, the U.S. travel and tourism industry is facing one of its most serious setbacks in over a decade. Despite hopes of a strong rebound from the pandemic-era travel lull, international visitor arrivals are now projected to fall sharply in 2025, driven by a mix of policy turbulence, shifting global sentiment, and new economic headwinds—many of them tied to the Trump administration’s second-term actions.

Tourism Economics, in its latest Global Travel Service update, paints a troubling picture: a 9.4% decline in international arrivals to the United States is expected this year. That’s not just a dip—it’s a dramatic reversal from previous growth forecasts. Even more concerning, international visitor spending is now set to fall by 5.0%, or $9 billion, hitting everything from destination cities to transportation services.

A Sentiment Shift That Can’t Be Ignored

The tone of global travel sentiment toward the United States has shifted noticeably. Tourists who once saw the U.S. as a welcoming destination now hesitate, put off by what they perceive as hostility at the borders, inconsistent immigration policies, and heightened travel uncertainty.

This isn’t just political noise. It’s affecting bookings. And it’s beginning to erode America’s global brand.

Leisure travelers, especially from Canada, Europe, and Asia, have choices. When they start to feel unwelcome—or worry they might encounter visa issues or unfriendly policies—they go elsewhere. Tourism is emotional. It’s about comfort, safety, and experience. The U.S., in 2025, is struggling to offer those in the eyes of millions.

Canada Takes the Biggest Hit

Among all source markets, Canada is showing the steepest drop in tourism to the U.S. A predicted 20.2% decline in Canadian visitation is devastating for border towns, ski resorts, and major cities like Seattle, Buffalo, and Detroit.

The issue isn’t just the economy. It’s a perception problem. Canadians are reacting to tariffs, tense political rhetoric, and policy unpredictability. Even promotions and deals aren’t enough to override the current sense of caution many feel about visiting the U.S.

Tariffs Add Fuel to the Fire

The April 2025 announcement of sweeping tariffs by President Trump has further complicated the tourism outlook. With a minimum 10% tariff imposed on imports from all countries—and higher rates on the table—the economic shockwaves are being felt across industries. But tourism may be among the quietest casualties.

Oxford Economics projects that these tariffs will slow U.S. GDP growth to 1.4% and raise core inflation to 3.9%, further reducing real disposable income. That translates to fewer people traveling and spending—domestically and internationally.

What’s more, the effective U.S. tariff rate is now nearing 30%, levels not seen since the 1930s. With trade uncertainty looming, investors, airlines, and hospitality companies are pulling back. The mood is cautious. The growth that was anticipated just months ago has vanished.

The Forecast Shift: From Growth to Setback

Back in December 2024, the picture looked vastly different. Analysts were expecting 8.8% growth in international visitation and a 16% jump in spending. Instead, those projections have been entirely flipped.

Now, recovery timelines are being pushed. Full recovery of international travel to the U.S. has been delayed until at least 2029, according to the latest models. That’s four more years of catch-up. Four more years of missed opportunities and lost revenue.

A Market Share Loss That Can’t Be Ignored

As international travelers rethink their options, the U.S. is expected to lose 1.5 percentage points of global tourism market share by 2026. That may sound small—but in an industry measured in hundreds of billions, it’s enormous.

And those lost travelers? They’re not just skipping the U.S.—they’re spending their money in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where visa rules are easing, and governments are rolling out bold, tourist-friendly marketing campaigns.

Transportation and Destinations Feel the $9B Sting

This year’s $9 billion loss in international spending isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s real-world impact.

Out of that total, $6.4 billion is being lost in destination spending—money that would have gone to hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions. The other $2.5 billion is vanishing from transportation, as international travelers skip U.S. flights, car rentals, and domestic routes.

For major carriers and travel operators, this decline represents a clear shift in the global travel map. And for workers in tourism—from hotel clerks to ride-share drivers—the slowdown is being felt with every empty room and idle car.

The Long Shadow of Political Uncertainty

More than ever, the link between politics and travel is undeniable. As tariff policies evolve, visa rules shift, and diplomatic tensions rise, the ripple effects are changing where and how people travel.

The Liberation Day tariffs, announced with little warning, are only one piece of the puzzle. The broader uncertainty—about border treatment, visa wait times, and even safety—adds invisible roadblocks for tourists considering a U.S. trip.

And while other countries are welcoming tourists with fast-track visas, open arms, and incentive programs, the U.S. is at risk of appearing closed off and unpredictable.

The Road Forward: Urgency and Opportunity

If the U.S. hopes to regain lost ground, it needs more than reactive measures. It needs a strategic, coordinated tourism recovery plan—one that addresses perception, policy, and promotion all at once.

That means:

• Fast-tracking visa processing for key markets
• Rebuilding international trust through diplomacy and marketing
• Investing in destination marketing to counteract negative sentiment
• Ensuring consistent policies that restore traveler confidence

The good news? The U.S. still has unmatched natural wonders, cultural icons, and cityscapes that draw the world in. The potential is intact—but the effort to restore global confidence must begin now.

Final Thoughts

The travel industry is not just about movement. It’s about connection, exchange, and opportunity. The current decline in international tourism to the U.S. threatens more than vacation plans—it risks long-term economic growth, global relationships, and local prosperity.

In 2025, America’s welcome mat is fading. But it’s not too late to roll it back out—bigger, bolder, and more inviting than ever.

What Can Be Done?

To reverse this downturn, industry experts and stakeholders are urging a coordinated national response. Priorities include:

• Increased investment in Brand USA, the nation’s official tourism marketing arm
• Expanded visa staffing and resources abroad to reduce appointment wait times
• Enhanced international partnerships to rebuild airline routes and tourism pipelines
• Rebranding campaigns that focus on safety, diversity, and accessibility

In addition, local tourism boards are stepping up their efforts to fill the gap. Some cities are targeting neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico to attract regional visitors. Others are launching digital campaigns aimed at millennial and Gen Z travelers abroad who may be eager for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

A Wake-Up Call for Travel Stakeholders

This decline in international visitors is not just a blip—it’s a signal. The global travel landscape is changing fast, and the U.S. must compete harder to stay top-of-mind for international travelers. Otherwise, it risks losing valuable market share to countries that are better positioned, better promoted, and more accessible.

If action isn’t taken soon, the effects may stretch well into the next decade, slowing not just recovery—but long-term growth.

The Welcome Mat Rolled Up: US Faces Massive Economic Hit as International tourists Vanish in 2025

The United States, once a top destination for global travelers, is now confronting a growing crisis in its tourism sector. As international tourists stay away in droves, the country is on track to lose a staggering $12.5 billion in travel spending this year alone, according to the latest research from the World Travel & Tourism Council.

The decline is not just a financial footnote. It’s a symptom of deeper issues—political signals, policy barriers, and rising fears—reshaping how the world views travel to the U.S.

Tourism Numbers Plummet—And So Does Confidence

In 2019, the U.S. stood tall with over $217 billion in international travel spending. Today, that figure has plummeted to an expected $168.9 billion in 2025—a decline of more than 22% from the pre-pandemic peak.

At the heart of the drop lies a combination of policy and perception. Tourists from across the globe are hesitating to visit. Many no longer feel welcome. Others fear the unexpected—from visa denials to detentions.

This chilling effect is translating into real-world consequences. Hotel bookings are down. Airport traffic is lighter. And tourism dollars are drying up.

Visa Hurdles and Border Fears Push Visitors Away

The process of simply entering the U.S. has become an ordeal for many. Lengthy visa delays, ambiguous entry requirements, and a growing sense of unpredictability have led travelers to rethink their plans.

In stark contrast, countries like China, France, and Thailand are actively loosening restrictions to attract foreign tourists. While other nations roll out red carpets, the U.S. appears to be putting up walls.

For visitors from Canada and Mexico—the country’s largest neighboring tourism markets—tariffs and political rhetoric have cast a shadow over cross-border travel. Even loyal repeat visitors are staying home.

Regional Travel Sectors Take a Hit

Border cities and popular tourism hubs are sounding alarms. From Seattle to Miami, tourism-dependent areas are reporting slower seasons, slashed hotel profits, and quiet shopping districts.

In Washington State, fewer Canadian tourists are trickling across the border, leaving once-bustling businesses with empty parking lots. Airlines like WestJet have already canceled nine U.S. routes, citing falling demand.

Meanwhile, cities like Orlando, New York, and San Francisco, which historically depend on international guests for high-margin tourism, are also facing underwhelming booking numbers.

Airlines and Hotels Feel the Ripple Effects

The loss of international traffic is hurting more than just destination cities. Airlines are trimming routes and pivoting to domestic operations, a less profitable alternative. Fewer long-haul travelers mean fewer premium seat bookings and lower revenue per flight.

Hotel chains are reducing rates to attract domestic guests, but that strategy comes at the cost of profits. Luxury properties that once catered to global travelers now face lower occupancy and dwindling event bookings.

Local restaurants, tour guides, and transportation services are also feeling the burn. Fewer tourists mean fewer tips, fewer jobs, and less economic momentum.

A Global Shift Away from the U.S.

This year, the U.S. is the only country among 184 economies forecasted to experience a decline in international tourism. That’s not just a data point—it’s a warning sign.

As global travelers look for destinations that are welcoming, accessible, and stable, the U.S. is slipping down the list. Cultural tensions, political rhetoric, and immigration crackdowns are weighing heavily on global perceptions.

For an industry built on hospitality, the optics couldn’t be worse.

Marketing Gaps and Missed Opportunities

The United States has long lacked a unified, aggressive international tourism campaign. Underfunded promotion efforts and fragmented messaging have made it difficult to compete in a crowded, digitally driven market.

Meanwhile, competitors are investing heavily in tourism marketing. Countries like Portugal and Vietnam are leveraging global influencers, social media, and streamlined entry to draw international crowds.

Without a renewed focus on branding the U.S. as a friendly, accessible destination, the tourism sector risks long-term decline.

The Economic Stakes: More Than Just Travel

Tourism isn’t just about sightseeing. It’s a critical pillar of the U.S. economy. Every dollar spent by an international visitor circulates through restaurants, hotels, stores, and transportation networks. It supports local jobs and small businesses.

A $12.5 billion loss in 2025 is not just a blow to one industry. It’s a setback for national recovery, job creation, and community development. Every missing tourist represents lost income, lost opportunity, and lost momentum.

The Road Ahead: Can the U.S. Win Back Tourists?

Rebuilding trust and boosting visitor numbers will require bold steps. Experts are urging a revamp of visa processes, increased investment in tourism marketing, and more diplomatic engagement with key source countries.

Cities, states, and travel brands are also stepping up. Many are launching targeted campaigns aimed at bringing back Canadian, European, and Asian travelers. New partnerships, discount programs, and streamlined services are being tested.

But time is running out. The longer tourists stay away, the harder it becomes to re-establish the U.S. as a global travel leader.

A Call to Action for the Travel Industry

The numbers are alarming, but the solution is still within reach. The U.S. must act now—before the damage deepens. The industry needs clear, consistent policies, a united marketing front, and a reawakening of what once made America a top destination.

Because behind every canceled trip is a missed connection. Behind every empty hotel room is a worker facing uncertainty. And behind every lost billion are communities waiting for visitors who may never arrive.

In 2025, as the U.S. tourism sector braces for a $12.5 billion loss from declining international visits, one question has taken center stage: Where do America’s tourists usually come from—and why are fewer showing up this year?

Understanding the countries that consistently send travelers to the United States is more than just number crunching. It’s a window into global travel behavior, economic ties, cultural interests, and—perhaps most urgently—what’s going wrong. These travelers aren’t just sightseers. They’re economic engines, culture connectors, and lifelines for thousands of tourism businesses across the country.

Let’s dive into the top countries that traditionally send the most tourists to the U.S., why they matter, and what’s causing this year’s dramatic dip.

1. Canada: The Loyal Neighbor That’s Stepping Back

Canada has long been the U.S.’s most dependable source of international tourists. With a shared border and cultural ties, millions of Canadians cross south each year for shopping trips, weekend getaways, and vacations in cities like New York, Seattle, and Miami.

But in 2025, fewer Canadians are coming. Political tensions, tariffs, and the perception of hostility have shaken a once-effortless travel relationship. The result? Empty hotel rooms in border cities and businesses seeing fewer of their most reliable customers.

2. Mexico: A Cultural Powerhouse With Chilling Sentiment

Mexican tourists are the second-largest group to visit the U.S., and their economic impact is enormous. Family visits, business travel, and vacationers once poured through border cities and into American resorts.

However, recent immigration crackdowns and mixed political messaging have left many Mexican citizens feeling unwelcome. Delays at border checkpoints and rising travel costs have only worsened the issue, cutting into what used to be a steady tourism flow.

3. United Kingdom: A Transatlantic Favorite, Now Hesitant

Travelers from the United Kingdom love America’s big cities, wide-open roads, and iconic landmarks. For years, British tourists ranked high in both volume and spending.

But today, currency fluctuations and concerns about visa requirements have added friction. The once-flourishing market is pulling back, and major destinations like Orlando and New York are noticing fewer bookings from across the pond.

4. Japan: Once Booming, Now Battling Barriers

Japanese tourists have always had a strong presence in U.S. destinations like Hawaii, California, and Las Vegas. Their travel patterns are often driven by a love of American entertainment, shopping, and landscapes.

But post-pandemic economic concerns, ongoing visa delays, and limited flight capacity have slowed Japan’s outbound travel. The result? A noticeable dip in one of the most reliable long-haul tourism markets.

5. China: High-Spending Travelers Losing Interest

Pre-2020, Chinese tourists were among the fastest-growing and highest-spending visitors to the U.S. They came for education, luxury shopping, and iconic experiences.

Now, geopolitical tensions, visa restrictions, and lingering mistrust have drastically curbed this flow. For U.S. cities that once catered to Chinese group tours and high-end retail tourism, the silence is loud—and costly.

6. Germany: Road-Trippers and Nature Lovers in Decline

German tourists are known for long vacations, national park tours, and a preference for exploring the U.S. by road. Their presence is steady but has recently weakened.

High airfare costs and global inflation have dampened travel enthusiasm. Though Germans still love the U.S., many are looking at closer, cheaper alternatives in Europe.

7. South Korea: A Rising Market on Pause

South Korean travelers are young, mobile, and increasingly drawn to American pop culture. Their spending habits support cities and outlet malls across the country.

But despite growing interest, current visa processing backlogs and a lack of outreach from the U.S. are stalling momentum. The potential is there—if the barriers come down.

8. Brazil: Big on Florida, But Feeling Distant

Brazilian tourists have traditionally favored Florida for beaches, shopping, and Disney vacations. They’re high-spenders who often travel in large groups.

Yet Brazil’s current economic instability, paired with slow U.S. visa systems and less favorable exchange rates, is keeping many would-be visitors home. For places like Orlando and Miami, the impact is especially noticeable.

9. France and Australia: Still Loyal, But Losing Steam

French travelers admire American culture, and Australians, despite the distance, are known for booking long, immersive trips.

However, both markets are seeing a decline due to a combination of inflation, airfare costs, and lack of post-pandemic incentives. Without strategic marketing and easier entry systems, these loyal travelers might not return in full strength soon.

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

Each of these countries has historically played a vital role in powering the U.S. tourism engine. Their absence is not just a dip in foot traffic—it’s a blow to local economies, travel jobs, and the broader global perception of the United States as a welcoming destination.

America is not losing tourists by accident. It’s losing them to bureaucracy, rhetoric, and global competition. While other nations are rolling out simplified visa systems and aggressive marketing campaigns, the U.S. is moving too slowly—and paying the price.

The Path Forward

To recover, the U.S. must target these top markets with urgency and empathy. That means:

• Speeding up visa processing for trusted travelers
• Rebuilding diplomatic and cultural trust with key nations
• Investing in international marketing that reflects inclusion, safety, and excitement
• Easing travel entry barriers at airports and land borders

These countries want to visit. They always have. But it’s up to America to make them feel welcome again.

Looking Ahead

As summer 2025 begins, the travel industry stands at a crossroads. Fewer international tourists in the U.S. means more than just empty hotel rooms—it threatens livelihoods, chokes small business recovery, and chips away at one of America’s most dynamic economic sectors.

It’s a moment for reflection, yes—but more importantly, it’s a moment for strategy. The decisions made now could determine whether the U.S. remains a top global destination—or becomes a missed opportunity in the eyes of the world.

Source: CNBC, Tourism Economics