The United States is experiencing a huge recession in international tourism, with major markets such as Mexico and Canada, as well as several European countries showing that the sharp decline in travel to the United States is attributed to global unsatisfactory Trump administration policies, including strict immigration enforcement, increasing immigration enforcement, and increasingly paying more and more immigrants, which makes the United States more and more costly and makes the United States a cost of visiting. The resulting “tourism boycott storm” fundamentally changed the traditional travel model and caused significant economic losses.
Historically, Mexico is the second largest source of tourists in the United States, with air travel down 6% compared to 2024. This decline is linked to stricter border regulations, extended visa processing times, and anxiety surrounding potential entry rejection, undermining previously mobile cross-border tourism relations. Canada, a close ally also pursuing caution, reporting a drop in bookings, with some Canadians selling U.S. property in part to deal with tense diplomatic relations and punitive tariffs.
In Europe, the callback is particularly clear. In March 2025, aerial arrivals in Germany fell by 28.5%, and visitors decreased by more than 52,000. The German Foreign Ministry issued a warning about strict U.S. immigration enforcement, and incidents of detention and deportation have sparked public attention and calls for boycott. Spain is usually a strong European market, with the number of arrivals falling by 24.5%, political tensions, strict visa policies and rising costs have made the United States less attractive, especially for young travelers. Despite “special relationships,” the number of arrivals in the UK has dropped by 14.8%, with government travel recommendations warning citizens of strict immigration enforcement.
France is a major cultural influence, and it also has a significant decline, with French travel companies reporting a sharp drop in US bookings. French travelers reportedly responded to the isolationist position in the United States, with the media portraying the country as an unpredictable and unwelcome country. Smaller European countries like Belgium are also rethinking U.S. travel due to concerns about border treatment and the U.S. government’s tone for the EU. Sweden is known for its human rights focus, showing a decline in interest, and some believe that travel to the United States is to support a regime seen as undermining democratic norms.
In addition to various countries, Latin America is also transferring as a region, with the massive decline in Central America and the Caribbean Sea by 26% in March 2025. The stricter visa process associated with U.S. trade practices, demanding immigration rhetoric, and economic instability associated with U.S. trade practices are driving this shift to travel within the region. Globally, international arrivals to the United States fell 11.6% in March 2025, with only the Middle East and Eastern Europe being less frequent.
The economy has a big impact, and forecasts show that international travel spending has lost $10 billion compared to the previous year. This can affect industries ranging from airlines and hotels to retail and entertainment, putting pressure on cities and states that depend on tourism. This has also weakened the complexity of domestic tourism due to economic uncertainty and political instability, which poses a double challenge to the U.S. tourism industry. Experts warn that the boycott could exacerbate whether political tensions persist and could cause long-term damage to the “American brand.” The current situation is a key key to the United States’ rebuilding trust and openness or facing a long-term isolation in the global tourism industry.
You must know
- The United States is experiencing a serious decline in international tourism.
- Countries such as Mexico, Canada, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium and Sweden are greatly reducing their travel to the United States
- The decline was mainly due to dissatisfaction with President Trump’s immigration crackdown, hostile border policies and escalating trade wars.
- These policies make the United States seem less welcome and more expensive.
- “Tourism Boycott Storm” is affecting traditional travel flow to the United States
- Mexico is the second largest tourist market, with air travel falling 6% due to stricter regulations and entry anxiety.
- Canadian travelers have become cautious, reports said booking and real estate sales in the U.S. fell in part due to tensions in relations and tariffs.
- In March 2025, German air arrivals fell by 28.5%, driven by travel consultation and detention incidents.
- Spain fell by 24.5%, with political tensions and costs hindering tourists, especially younger visitors.
- The UK has experienced a sharp drop of 14.8%, and has updated government recommendations to warn of strict immigration enforcement.
- France has seen a significant decline, with French travel companies reporting massive booking declines, reflecting reactions to the isolationist position.
- In Belgium, travelers have chosen other destinations due to concerns about border treatment and the U.S. government’s tone of the EU.
- Sweden showed a decline in interest and, given the political climate, travel to the United States was considered morally questionable.
- Latin America, including Central and Caribbean, dropped sharply by 26% due to visas, harsh narratives and economic instability.
- The arrival of global international arrivals to the United States fell 11.6% in March 2025, with most regions falling.
- This erosion of inbound tourism marks the transfer from the United States as an ideal destination.
- Tourism Economics expects an international travel expenditure to lose $10 billion compared to 2024.
- These losses affect various sectors of the U.S. economy.
- Cities and countries rely on income shortages and potential layoffs faced by tourism.
- Domestic tourism is also weakening due to economic uncertainty and political instability.
- Experts warn that the boycott movement could worsen if political tensions continue.
- The damage to the “American brand” can take years to repair.
- The United States is at a critical moment when rebuilding trust or facing a long-term isolation of global tourism.
