Recent analyses reveal a concerning forecast for tourism in the United States, predicting a 10.9% decline in spending by foreign tourists. Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, reported that due to “the effects of antipathy towards the US,” the situation has worsened and trends suggest even poorer outcomes ahead. Factors contributing to this shift include the Trump administration’s tariffs on multiple countries and stringent immigration policies.
The Trump administration’s approach has struck a nerve internationally, leading to a projected drop in travel. Tourism Economics highlighted that polarising policies deter organisations from hosting events in the US, potentially reducing business travel. The World Tourism Forum Institute warned that current immigration restrictions, a robust dollar, and escalating global tensions may reshape US tourism for years to come.
Surveys show that 35% of people from 16 European and Asian countries are now less inclined to visit the US under Trump’s leadership. However, some tourists, like Marianela Lopez from Argentina, express concern but still press on with their travel plans, using alternative passports to navigate potential entry issues.
Tourists from Canada make up a significant portion of visitors, but the US Travel Association noted a downturn in Canadian tourists due to tariffs, with a marked 23% drop in return visits to the US. New York has already begun to feel the effects, facing cancellations in tour bookings and hotel searches.
Despite a projected increase of 17% in foreign tourist arrivals in 2024, there are signs of reluctance, particularly among Western European and Canadian tourists. Tensions surrounding immigration and overall moving expenses are causing travelers to reconsider their choices, with experts forecasting a potential tourism revenue loss of $64 billion by 2025. Major sporting events slated for the US might also suffer due to these mounting concerns.
The US tourism sector is predicted to see a 10.9% decrease in spending due to adverse global perceptions and political factors under the Trump administration. With tariffs affecting travel from Canada, a significant loss of international and domestic tourist spending is foreseen, potentially reaching $64 billion by 2025. Stricter immigration policies are also raising concerns about large sporting events hosted in the US, further complicating the tourism landscape.
In summary, the US tourism industry faces significant challenges stemming from current political policies and economic conditions. With a decline in international visitors’ willingness to come, the intricacies of immigration policy, tariffs, and economic concerns loom large. As experts calculate potential losses in revenue and visitation, the effects on major upcoming sports events could further amplify the stakes for the US tourism sector in the coming years.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
