America Is Losing Tourists: Why Are Travelers Choosing Other Destinations?
Not long ago, the U.S. was a dream destination for travelers from all over the world — Las Vegas, Hollywood, New York, Miami… However, in 2025, the situation changed dramatically. Millions of tourists are rethinking their plans, and the U.S. tourism industry is facing massive losses. What’s happening, and who is to blame?
What Happened to Tourism in the U.S.?
The turning point came after Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election. Strict measures against illegal immigration, increased security checks, and new entry restrictions have deterred tourists. Many fear border issues, intensive screenings, or even being denied entry altogether.
The first alarming sign appeared at the beginning of 2025: by February, the number of Canadian trips to the U.S. had dropped by 23%. This was especially striking since Canada has traditionally been the largest source of tourists for the U.S. Following this, travel from Europe, China, and Central America fell by 6%. As a result, the overall number of tourists declined by 5%, already dealing a serious blow to the economy.
What Happened to Tourism in the U.S.?
The turning point came after Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election. Strict measures against illegal immigration, increased security checks, and new entry restrictions have deterred tourists. Many fear border issues, intensive screenings, or even being denied entry altogether.
The first alarming sign appeared at the beginning of 2025: by February, the number of Canadian trips to the U.S. had dropped by 23%. This was especially striking since Canada has traditionally been the largest source of tourists for the U.S. Following this, travel from Europe, China, and Central America fell by 6%. As a result, the overall number of tourists declined by 5%, already dealing a serious blow to the economy.
Why Are People Afraid to Travel to America?
The reasons can be broken down into several key factors:
The reasons can be broken down into several key factors:
- Visa restrictions and bureaucracy. Stricter entry rules, frequent screenings, and new formalities have made traveling to the U.S. less convenient.
- Rising costs. Due to economic instability, the prices of flights, hotels, and car rentals have increased, making trips less affordable.
- The country’s image. Social media is filled with stories of harsh border checks, rude officers, and unjustified entry denials. This discourages even experienced travelers.
- Competition. While the U.S. is losing tourists, Europe, Australia, and Canada are attracting them with better offers.
How Has This Affected the Economy?
Tourism is one of the key industries in the U.S. In 2019, it generated over $1.8 trillion for the country. However, instead of the expected 9% growth, the industry is now set to lose at least $64 billion.
Consequences:
Tourism is one of the key industries in the U.S. In 2019, it generated over $1.8 trillion for the country. However, instead of the expected 9% growth, the industry is now set to lose at least $64 billion.
Consequences:
- The closure of hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies.
- Mass layoffs in the hospitality sector.
- Slower economic growth in cities that rely on tourism (Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, New York).
Is There a Chance for Recovery?
There’s still hope. In 2026, the U.S. will host the FIFA World Cup, and in 2028, the Summer Olympics will take place in Los Angeles. These events could attract millions of tourists and help revive the industry. However, whether tourism will return to its previous levels remains an open question.
There’s still hope. In 2026, the U.S. will host the FIFA World Cup, and in 2028, the Summer Olympics will take place in Los Angeles. These events could attract millions of tourists and help revive the industry. However, whether tourism will return to its previous levels remains an open question.
America no longer seems as desirable for travelers, and if the government doesn’t change its policies, the country will continue losing billions. Would you travel to the U.S. in 2025?