The U.S. is experiencing significant losses in tourism revenue due to the impact of its strict immigration and trade policies. The decline in international visitor numbers is negatively affecting the economy.

The U.S. has begun to experience significant losses in the tourism sector due to the impact of its strict immigration and trade policies recently implemented. According to U.S. government data, the number of foreign visitors to the country in March 2025 fell by 11.6% compared to the previous year. In particular, there was a 17.2% decrease in visitors from Western Europe.

Many tourists have removed the U.S. from their travel itineraries due to the Trump administration's border policies, deportation procedures, and high taxation practices. There has also been a large drop in travel to the U.S. among Canadian citizens; visits by car decreased by 32% in March.

Adam Sacks, President of the Tourism Economics Research Group, stated that before Trump took office, they expected a 9% increase in international travel for 2025, but now they are predicting a 12% decrease. Sacks said, "There could be a loss of approximately $10 billion in international tourism spending this year."

Important Destinations Affected

Travel to the U.S. from countries such as Spain and Germany has decreased by 25% and 28%, respectively. Countries like England and Germany have updated their U.S. travel advisories for their citizens.

In New York, Statue of Liberty ticket sales fell by 6% in April, while hotel reservations in the city also decreased by 20% compared to last year. There are also serious concerns in the tourism and hospitality sectors in major cities such as Los Angeles.

Jackie Filla, President of the Los Angeles Hotel Association, said, "The perception worldwide is that we are negatively impacting not only our own economy, but the economies of others as well. People don't think it's fair, and that's why they're not choosing the U.S."

Domestic Tourism Also at Risk

A decline is expected not only in international tourism, but also in domestic tourism. It is stated that Americans may also reduce their travel spending as the trade wars waged by the Trump administration reduce the public's disposable income.

According to a survey conducted by the travel marketing company MMGY, 80% of Americans stated that they were considering changing their travel plans due to the economic situation.

The decline in tourism revenue is affecting both Democratic and Republican states, regardless of political affiliation. States dependent on tourism, such as Florida, Texas, California, and New York, will also be seriously affected by this negative situation.

Trump: "We Treat Our Visitors Wonderfully"

President Donald Trump stated that he did not care about the decline, saying, "We treat tourists wonderfully. We are the tourism capital of the world. There is no place like us."

However, industry representatives warn that, contrary to these statements, the U.S. is facing a serious and long-term risk of contraction in the field of tourism.

Source: Katharine Viner, Editor-in-chief, The Guardian