The US is witnessing a decline in international travel, with many countries experiencing a sharp decrease in visitor numbers due to heightened security measures and anti-immigrant rhetoric. According to recent data, foreign arrivals dropped by 4.4% between January and March 2025, with Canada becoming the preferred alternative destination.
Expert warn that this shift could have long-term economic consequences for the US, as travel and tourism are significant contributors to its GDP. The decline in overseas visitors is not just limited to US citizens but also affects international students, researchers, and other visa holders who were previously drawn to the country’s vibrant culture and diversity.
Cartoon artist Ryan Estrada and his wife Kim, a Korean graphic novel author, recently canceled their planned visit to the US due to concerns about increased scrutiny at US borders and recent detainments of foreign nationals. Similarly, Canadian traveler Jodi Gibson has canceled his family’s upcoming trip to Orlando, citing instability in the US under the current administration.
According to Dr. Hicham Jaddoud, professor of tourism at the University of Southern California Bovard College, a shift towards alternative destinations is becoming increasingly attractive for international travelers. “It’s shaking everything up,” he said, warning that this trend could have significant long-term consequences for the US economy.
With Canada now attracting more European tourists than ever before, the US is facing an uncertain future as its once-thriving tourism industry struggles to regain momentum. As one traveler noted, “They’ve made it clear that any reason is good enough… Look at what some of the reasons have been in the past and realize that could be you.”
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2025/04/10/why-international-travelers-avoid-the-us/82979308007