International visitor numbers to the U.S continue to drop over 2025
The WTTC has noted that the U.S. is projected to be the only country among the 184 studied where foreign visitor spending will fall in 2025.
The wonder of New York City, the aura of Las Vegas, natural beauty hotspots such as Yellowstone National Park and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains or even the Universal and Disney theme parks. There is something in the United States to suit every taste but dramatically, 2025 has seen a notable downturn in international visitors to the U.S. this year which continued over the summer months.
Multiple reports and data analyses indicate a significant decline, which is expected to continue for the remainder of the year.
In June 2025, international arrivals were down 7% compared to the previous year. A report from Tourism Economics forecasts an 8.2% decline in international arrivals for the full year. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has also noted that the U.S. is projected to be the only country among 184 it studied where foreign visitor spending will fall in 2025.
Canadians decline to travel south
The decline is not uniform and is particularly acute from certain regions. Canadian visitors, who make up a significant portion of international tourism, have plummeted, with land crossings down by 28% and air arrivals down by 13.3% year-to-date. This has heavily impacted cities near the border, like Seattle, Portland, and Detroit. There have also been declines in visitors from Western Europe, Asia, and some African and Middle Eastern countries.
Why the downturn?
Industry experts point to a combination of factors for the decline.
Political Climate and Policies: The perception of the U.S. as less welcoming due to political rhetoric, stricter visa regulations enforced by the Trump administration, and other policies has been cited as a major deterrent for foreign visitors.
Economic Factors: The strong U.S. dollar makes travel to the country more expensive for international tourists. Global economic uncertainty and inflation also play a role in discouraging discretionary travel.
Increased Competition: Other countries are actively promoting tourism and are seen as more attractive and affordable alternatives.
While international tourism has seen a downturn, domestic travel within the U.S. has remained strong, with many Americans opting for road trips and exploring their own country. However, this increase in domestic tourism has not been enough to offset the significant financial losses from the decline in foreign visitors.
World Cup hopes
The 2026 FIFA World Cup which will be co-hosted by the U.S, Canada and Mexico is expected to deliver a badly needed ‘shot in the arm’ with early estimates suggesting as many as 6 million people are set to travel to the tournament next summer.
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