President Donald Trump’s policies might reduce U.S. foreign traveller arrivals by 5.1%

Tourists from Western Europe are the most likely to choose other destinations, along with Canadians and Mexicans. 
| Photo Credit: AFP

In recent weeks, there has been a shift in the U.S. tourism forecast due to certain policy decisions made by President Donald Trump, causing dissatisfaction among foreign visitors and concerns about increased prices and a stronger dollar.

According to a report from Tourism Economics published last month, foreign visitor arrivals in the United States are expected to decrease by 5.1% in 2025 compared to the previous year, a significant change from the previously projected 8.8% increase. Their spending is also expected to decline by 10.9%.

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Since the release of the report, the situation has worsened, with Tourism Economics president Adam Sacks stating that the impact of negative sentiment towards the U.S. may lead to an even bleaker outcome.

“Policies and rhetoric from the polarizing Trump Administration are likely to deter travel to the U.S.,” said Tourism Economics, a subsidiary of Oxford Economics.

The World Tourism Forum Institute has warned that a combination of strict immigration policies, a strong dollar, and global political tensions could have a significant impact on international arrivals, potentially reshaping the U.S. tourism sector for years to come.

Among residents of 16 European and Asian countries surveyed by YouGov, 35% expressed that they were less inclined to visit the U.S. under President Trump, while 22% indicated they were more likely to do so.

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Despite the reservations of some, tourists from France, Uzbekistan, and Argentina have not been deterred by Mr. Trump’s policies.

Tourists from Western Europe, who accounted for 37% of visitors in 2024, are among those most likely to seek alternative destinations, along with Canadians and Mexicans.

Canadians say NO

The U.S. Travel Association issued a warning in early February that customs tariffs could dissuade Canadian tourists, who are the largest group of foreign visitors to the U.S. with 20.4 million arrivals in 2024.

Data from Statistics Canada shows a 23% decrease in the number of Canadians returning from the United States in February compared to the previous year.

According to Tourism Economics, the tourism sector could face a revenue loss of approximately $64 billion in 2025.