A United Airlines plane taxis toward a gate at Denver International Airport after landing on February 27. The Associated Press
International tourists are canceling their U.S. trips due to growing concerns over President Donald Trump’s aggressive policies and rhetoric. This decline is hitting the American tourism industry hard, causing billions of dollars in losses. Many travelers now prefer visiting other countries, with Canada and Australia becoming popular alternatives.
Tourism experts predict a 5% drop in international travel to the U.S. this year. This decline could cost the travel sector around $64 billion, according to industry estimates. Earlier forecasts predicted a 9% rise in foreign visits, but the political atmosphere changed the outlook.
Many tourists from Canada, Europe, and China are changing their travel plans. Canadians, once frequent U.S. visitors, are now skipping vacations at Disney World and other American attractions. Statistics show a 23% drop in Canadians returning from U.S. visits by car in February. Air travel from Canada to the U.S. also fell by 13%. This decline is expected to cost the American economy $3.3 billion in lost Canadian tourism revenue.
Chinese travelers, who were once a major source of tourist income, are now avoiding the U.S. due to trade tensions. Many are heading to Australia and other destinations instead. Data shows an 11% drop in Chinese visitors compared to the previous year. European tourists are also reconsidering their U.S. plans, opting for other destinations after Trump threatened steep tariffs on European goods.
Trump's harsh stance on immigration and travel bans is also affecting tourism. During his first presidency, international tourism declined by $20 billion. Today, similar concerns are emerging. Tourists from Mexico, China, and the Middle East are hesitant to visit, fearing hostility and safety issues.
Some travelers are making personal protests. Penelope Poole, from the Philippines, canceled her family’s Florida cruise. Instead, they are heading to a lakeside resort in Canada. She cited safety concerns, saying the administration’s volatility made the U.S. feel too risky.
Others, like Bertha Lopez, who lives near Toronto, are boycotting U.S. goods and travel. Lopez used to cross the border regularly for shopping but now refuses to visit. She recently canceled her Arizona trip to see a sick friend and instead invited her friend to Canada. “No more Disney, no more Coca-Cola. I won’t visit unless it’s an emergency,” she said.
The U.S. tourism sector is already feeling the pinch. Airlines like Delta, Southwest, and American Airlines reported declining travel demand. Hotel bookings are down, and Americans are cutting back on vacations due to economic worries. Industry experts warn that the situation may worsen as economic uncertainty and trade tensions grow.
The Trump administration’s unpredictable policies are making travelers hesitant. Economic experts warn that declining tourism could weaken the U.S. economy further, which is already showing signs of slowing down.
