US tourism plummets due to immigration policy and political tensions

According to Tourism Economics, the number of foreign visitors to the US could fall by 5.1% by 2025, while their spending could fall by 10.9%. This is contrary to previous growth expectations, putting the US tourism industry at risk of losing about $64 billion in revenue.

The World Travel Forum Institute notes that a combination of strict immigration controls, a strong dollar and political tensions have significantly reduced the appeal of the United States to international travelers, with many seeking other destinations that are friendlier and more accessible.

New York, USA. Photo: Unsplash

The Trump administration's new policies, including imposing tariffs on allies and trading partners such as Canada, Mexico, the European Union and China, are also having a negative effect.

In Canada alone, tourism to the United States has plummeted, with the number of Canadians returning from the United States down 23% in February compared to the same month last year. In New York, a city that attracts a large number of international tourists, the impact has been evident as Canadian searches for hotels and Broadway shows have plummeted.

It’s not just North American tourists who are wary of the US, Western Europeans are also wary. A YouGov survey found that 35% of residents in 16 European and Asian countries are less likely to travel to the US under President Trump. The British and German governments have even warned their citizens to be more cautious when visiting the US due to risks related to paperwork and immigration.

Notably, the number of Chinese tourists – once one of the biggest spending groups in the US – is also in serious decline. US government figures show that Chinese tourism to the country fell by 11% in February. The reasons are believed to be due to strict immigration control policies, increased incidents of racial discrimination and tensions in bilateral relations.

Even upcoming major sporting events like the 2025 Ryder Cup, the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2026 Los Angeles Summer Olympics could be affected by restrictive immigration policies.

Ngoc Anh (according to Economic Times, AFP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/du-lich-my-lao-doc-vi-chinh-sach-nhap-cu-va-cang-thang-chinh-tri-post340019.html