Tourists cancel trips as travel to the US falls post Trump election

travel to the US
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A few days back, I wrote about how uncertainty around immigration enforcement is a major reason why more travelers are getting anxious about travel to the US. Stories about detentions and enhanced questioning aren’t making things easier for people planning trips to the US. As per this new report, travel to the US has now reversed and is now declining after results of the 2024 Presidential elections.

Travel to the US falls

Almost 67 million people visited the US for tourism in 2023. The estimated figures for 2024 are also on similar lines. However, industry associations doubt that we’ll see any continuation of that trend in 2025 and beyond. The Independent cites this report by Tourism economics which points to the reversal of the trend. The initial projection was for a 9% growth in inbound US tourism. That has now been revised to a 6% plunge in inbound tourism instead.

In a recent report by research firm Tourism Economics, inbound travel to the US is now projected to decline by 5.5% this year, instead of growing by nearly 9% as had previously been forecast. A further escalation in tariff and trade wars could result in further reductions in international tourism, which could amount to a US$18 billion (£13.8 billion) annual reduction in tourist spending in 2025.

Who is canceling their trips?

As per the report, the reasons for the canceled trips are wide ranging.

Canadians

Canadians are canceling trips to the US owing to the trade war and the rhetoric with the existing Canadian administration

There is already some evidence of travel cancellations. Since Trump announced 25% tariffs on many Canadian goods, the number of Canadians driving across the border at some crossings has fallen by up to 45%, on some days, when compared to last year. Canada is the biggest source of international tourists to the US. Air Canada has announced it is reducing flights to some US holiday destinations, including Las Vegas, from March, as demand reduces.

LGBTQ Travelers

LGBTQ travelers cited reasons owing to angry rhetoric.

Some would-be visitors have cited an unwelcoming political climate as part of a concern about visiting the US – including angry rhetoric about foreigners, migrants and the LGBTQ+ community. The Tourism Economics report also cited “polarizing Trump Administration policies and rhetoric” as a factor in travel cancellations.

Western Europe

As per the report, the drop in inbound US tourism matches with the rising negative sentiment pertaining to the US amongst the people surveyed in Western European countries.

Research by YouGov in March found that western European attitudes towards 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 an unfavourable opinion of the US. In five of the seven countries polled, figures for US favourability are at the lowest since polling began in November 2016.

Mexico

Given the rhetoric around the border, it’s not surprise that inbound tourism from Mexico has also declined this year.

Mexico is the US’s second largest inbound travel market. Tourism Economics suggests that issues around new border enforcement rules will raise concerns with potential Mexican tourists. During Trump’s first term in office, Mexican visits to the US fell by 3%. In February this year, air travel from Mexico had already fallen 6% when compared to 2024.

The Pundit’s Mantra

Given the concerns regarding border enforcement, immigration poolicy and the ongoing trade wars, we’re seeing inbound travel to the US as a casualty. However, other destinations are benefiting as Canadians, Mexicans and Europeans are opting to travel elsewhere.

Bermuda is seeing a spike in inbound travelers from Canada, whereas Europe is also benefiting from inbound travel from Canadians, with some estimates predicting a whopping 20% increase in tourism revenue to Europe thanks to Canadian tourists.

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9 comments
  1. Many of the same people who express such great concern about traveling to the USA due to our new president (who isn’t even unfamiliar) seem to have no problem “exploring the world” and visiting countries throughout the Middle East and Asia and speaking glowingly of them, in spite of the fact that they routinely oppress LGBT+! people whom they allege to support. Not to mention jailing people for expressions of (unpopular) free speech. But no, the USA is the scary place to visit. A country that has never (to my knowledge) jailed someone for a FB post.

    What a crock of excrement.

    1. You obviously don’t get it … your King is a bully and threatens our country. I have cancelled my USA trips as have many Canadians. The land border crossings are mostly empty and the airlines are cancelling flights. You might not care but millions of Americans who depend on tourism and related industries do. My dollars won’t be supporting your economy and your King. So eat your crock of excrement.

    2. Could not have put it better myself #angryflier, biggest load of shite I have read today…. The homosexuals can go to Saudi, Oman, Qatar or UAE and see what happens LOL

  2. Hate has no home here, so I don’t want any tourists that hate me, my words and thoughts, my car’s internal combustion engine, my natural gas powered heating system, my political choices etc. I happen to be an Eastern European, born and raised in a democratic socialist country (i.e. behind the Iron Curtain) and I’m very glad to be living in the United States, in this day and age.

    1. We don’t hate you or your choices… we hate your King. You’re obviously a victim of the populist political rhetoric that has divided your great nation. And careful what you wish for … your Iron Curtain experience will pale in comparison.

  3. Maybe this will finally start to kill the crippling inflation that has been plaguing families. Also should make upgrades easier.

    1. Make upgrade easier for sure. Travel is typically not a huge weight in CPI calculation (it tries to reflect the basket of goods for the typical American) and more likely higher prices in grocery, housing and other durable goods will increase inflation index.

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