International tourism to the US declines

America is on track to lose $12.5 billion in international travel revenue in 2025, with visitor spending forecast to fall below $169 billion—a 7% drop from 2024 and a 22% plunge from the 2019 peak.

Out of 184 countries analyzed, the US is the only one expected to see a tourism downturn this year, says the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Why?
Rising dollar, tougher visa scrutiny, and Trump administration policies (like steep tariffs and immigration crackdowns) have turned away travelers, especially from neighbors Canada and Mexico.

As of March, tourist arrivals from the UK and South Korea were down 15% year-over-year, travelers from Germany dipped 28%, and other markets like Spain, Ireland and the Dominican Republic fell between 24% and 33%.

New York City alone is bracing for 800,000 fewer international tourists this year, costing it $4 billion. Upstate regions are also reeling, with businesses near the Canadian border reporting a major decline in bookings.

Tourism represents 9% of the US economy. As foreign visitors rethink travel to America, WTTC warns tourism may take at least till 2030 to bounce back.