The US tourism sector is reeling from a significant drop in visitors from Europe. Experts predict that a full recovery will not be possible until 2029.

The United States is facing a significant decline in international tourism. The drop in the number of visitors, especially from Europe, is causing economic losses throughout the sector.

According to data from the Italian International Trade Administration (ITA), there was a 17% decrease in travel from Europe to the US in the first quarter of 2025. The number of visitors from Germany decreased by 29%, while the decrease from Italy remained at 9.5%. This decline is estimated to bring a loss of 12 to 13 billion dollars to the US economy.

According to Tourism Economics' Global Travel Service analysis, there are a number of reasons behind this decline. These include uncertainties regarding border policies and immigration issues, the competitive disadvantage created by the strong dollar, the economic slowdown in Canada and Mexico, government efficiency moves, and ongoing uncertainties about the national economy.

Projections announced in the US in December 2024 anticipated an 8.8% increase in international visitor numbers and a 16% increase in spending in 2025. However, Tourism Economics announced that these estimates have been revised and that international visitor traffic will not fully recover until 2029.