Decline in Foreign Travel
A significant drop in international tourists visiting the United States this year has been attributed to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, trade rhetoric, and new visa limitations. Experts in the tourism sector caution that this downturn may persist beyond the summer months.
Since Trump resumed his presidency in January, foreign visitor numbers have decreased in various U.S. locations, from smaller border towns like Buffalo to major attractions such as Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Many industry stakeholders believe that the administration’s stringent immigration measures, tariffs, and foreign policies are deterring potential travelers.
Quantifying the Impact
According to U.S. government statistics, there were 3 million fewer overseas visitors in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same timeframe the previous year. The most pronounced decline has been among Canadian travelers, who have historically been the largest group of international visitors. Statistics Canada reported that car trips to the U.S. from Canada fell by 37 percent, while air travel dropped by 26 percent in July.
Projected Losses
The World Travel & Tourism Council has projected that the United States will be the sole major destination, out of 184 countries, to experience a decrease in foreign visitor spending this year, estimating a loss of $12.5 billion directly attributable to political influences.
“The world’s biggest travel and tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction,” stated Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the council. “While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign.”
Reports from tourism research firm Tourism Economics suggest that the decline, which began with Trump’s return to office, could extend well into the future, with forecasts indicating an 8.2 percent reduction in international arrivals in 2025 due to a significant downturn in sentiment among global travelers.
Local Effects
Cities such as Buffalo, New York, are acutely experiencing these changes. This summer, a campaign aimed at attracting Canadian tourists featured a billboard proclaiming “Buffalo Loves Canada” and included a giveaway of a $500 gift card. Despite over 1,000 entries, actual attendance was notably low.
“To see the traffic drop off so significantly, especially because of rhetoric that can be changed, is so disheartening,” said Patrick Kaler, CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara.
Canada remains the leading source of visitors to the U.S., yet for the first time in recent history, more Americans traveled into Canada than Canadians visited the U.S. during the summer. Statistics Canada recorded a 37 percent decrease in car travel by Canadians returning from the U.S. and a 26 percent decrease in air travel.
Tourism operators across the country from Seattle to New York have reported similar declines. John Brink, who runs a food tour company in Seattle, experienced a 50 percent reduction in Canadian clients, particularly around the annual Blue Jays–Mariners baseball series. “Usually you kill it that weekend,” he remarked, noting the absence of expected foot traffic.
Event Cancellations
In New York City, the organizers of the International Lindy Hop Championships were forced to postpone their event as international dancers withdrew, expressing unease regarding U.S. policies. Co-producer Tena Morales remarked, “What we’re hearing is still the same — that (dancers) don’t want to come here.”
Political Responses
Nevada Democrats responded by stating, “Donald Trump’s erratic trade war is steering Nevada’s economy towards full-blown crisis, as tourism declines and inflation worsens — yet, Joe Lombardo thinks Nevadans should feel a little pain from Trump’s tariffs.”
Peter Follows, CEO of Carpedia International, emphasized that for operators in the travel industry, external factors behind declining demand are less pertinent than how businesses adapt to the situation. Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, noted that many customers are refraining from purchasing tickets until there is more clarity regarding border regulations and travel policies.
New Visa Fees on the Horizon
Beginning October 1, the U.S. will introduce a $250 “visa integrity fee” for visitors from countries that do not participate in the visa waiver program. This increase will raise the total visa expense to $442, making it one of the highest fees globally.
