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With tourists to be detained by immigration authorities and the image of the United States falling in the West, there are increasingly Canadians and Europeans to cancel trips.
The United States is one of the three most visited countries from the world. The big attractions – cities like San Francisco, New York and Chicago and national parks such as Yosemite – attract international tourists for decades. This, combined with its global business role, caused the country to receive 66.5 million visitors in 2023-and the number of 2024 is expected to be even higher.
But a lot has changed in recent months, and the 2025 numbers may not be so strong. Donald Trump’s reelection as president of the United States in 2024 and the consequent changes in diplomacy and external relations, along with internal cultural changes, are beginning to change global attitudes towards the US – attitudes that seem to be affecting tourists’ desire to visit the US.
In a recent report by the investigation company, it is now expected that entry to the US decrease 5.5% this yearinstead of growing almost 9%, as previously predicted. A new escalation in tariff and commercial wars may result in new reductions in international tourism, which could represent an annual reduction of $ 18 billion in tourist expenses by 2025.
There are already some evidence of travel cancellations. Since Trump announced 25% rates on many Canadian products, the number of Canadians crossing the border at some points of passage fell up to 45%in some days, compared to last year. Canada is the largest source of international tourists for the US. Air Canada has announced that it will reduce flights to some US holiday destinations, including Las Vegas, from March, due to reducing demand.
According to a survey held in March by the Canadian market researcher, 36% of Canadians who had planned travel to the United States had already canceled them.
According to data from the aviation analysis company, passenger reserves in the routes between Canada and the United States registered a reduction of more than 70% compared to the same period last year.
This happens after the US Travel Association warned that even a 10% reduction in entry trips in Canada could result in a loss of $ 2.1 billion in expenses, at risk 140 000 jobs in the hotel and restoration sector.
An unloving environment?
Some potential visitors cited a unintended political climate as part of their concern to visit the US – including a furious rhetoric about foreigners, migrants and the LGBTQ+community. The Tourism Economics report also cited “Polarization of Trump Administration Policies and Rhetoric” as a travel cancellation factor.
There are other factors that can influence travelers from Western Europe, which represented 37% of travels to the US last year. These factors include American customs tariffs, which raise prices in the country, and the perception of the alignment of the American administration with Russia in the war in Ukraine.
A survey conducted by March revealed that the attitudes of Western Europe over the US have become more negative since Trump’s reelection last November. More than half of people in Britain (53%), Germany (56%), Sweden (63%) and Denmark (74%) now have a Unfavorable opinion about the US. In five of the seven countries inquired, the US’s favorable opinion is the lowest since the start of polls in November 2016.
Border Questions
Some cases of great visibility on the US border may also be removing tourists. In March, a British woman was handcuffed and detained for more than 10 days by United States customs services following a visa problem. In the same month, a Canadian tourist was arrested after trying to renew his visa at the United States and Mexico border. During the 12 days of detention, it was maintained in crowded cells and even chained.
Mexico is the second largest tourist market for the United States. Tourism Economics suggests that issues related to new border application rules will arouse concerns with potential Mexican tourists. During Trump’s first term, Mexican visits to the US registered a break of 3%. In February this year, Mexico air trips had already fallen 6% compared to 2024.
Many countries, including Canada, have updated their travel advice to the US. For example, on March 15, the United Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry and Commonwealth updated its councils to the US, warning visitors that “they can be subject to arrest or detention if they violate the rules. ”The previous version of the councils of February made no reference to arrest or detention. Germany similarly updated its travel warning after several Germans were recently detained for weeks by US border agents.
Several European countries, including France, Germany, Denmark and Norway, also issued specific travel notices for transgender and non -binary citizens, as US authorities require tourists to declare their biological sex at birth on visa requests. This happens at a time when the United States has failed to issue passports with an X scorer – usually used by people who identify themselves as non -binary – to their own citizens.
Alternative destinations
While thousands of travelers cancel their travels to the US, other destinations are reporting an increase in interest. You Bermuda Hotels Increased requests for information as canadians move away from the US on business and leisure travel, providing some 20% increase in revenues from Canadian visits.
Europe also registered an increase in reserves from Canada, with the lease properties register a 32% jump In summer reserves, compared to last year, according to some reports.
There are already growing concerns about the fact that restrictions on visa and entry can prevent supporters and athletes from enjoying the Football World Championship Male of 2026, which takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Visitors from some countries, such as Brazil, Turkey and Colombia, may have to have to wait up to 700 days To get a visa.
The International Olympic Committee also expressed concerns about the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, although US responsible have insisted that “America will be open.”
With the increase in delays in obtaining visas, the most rigorous application of the law on borders and increasing concerns with human rights and anti-minority rhetoric, the United States is at risk of lose your attractive as a holiday destination. The long-term impact on your tourist industry may be difficult to reverse.
