As the storm of Trump Administration’s tariffs and polarising rhetoric brews, a dark cloud looms over international travel to the U.S., with projected declines now more severe than anticipated. Tourism Economics warned of a staggering 9.4% drop in foreign arrivals this year, a significant revision from just 5% predicted earlier this year. Initially, a flourishing year was expected, with a 9% increase in visitors by 2024.
Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, highlighted how recent high-profile incidents, such as European tourists facing delays at U.S. borders, have created unease among potential travellers. The tense political climate, marked by tariffs, strained relations with Canada and Greenland, and heated exchanges involving Ukrainian President Zelensky, has left many disillusioned. “With each policy development, each rhetorical missive, we’re just seeing unforced error after unforced error in the administration,” Sacks noted, pointing to the direct consequences on tourism.
The growing decline in travel is expected to reverberate through airlines, hotels, and national parks, leaving no stone unturned in its impact. Particularly, Canadian travel is forecasted to plunge by 20%, affecting states like Michigan and New York, as well as tourist hotspots such as California, Nevada, and Florida. The U.S. Travel Association echoed these concerns, revealing that even a 10% dip in Canadian visits might mean 2 million fewer tourists and a staggering $2.1 billion in lost revenue.
Travel players are feeling the tremors, too; Air Canada reported a 10% slump in U.S. bookings for the upcoming months compared to last year. Sacks now anticipates foreign tourists will shell out $9 billion less in 2024 than previously estimated, further underscoring the irony of tariffs aimed at correcting trade deficits but instead discouraging international visitors. He lamented that while international arrivals had nearly returned to 2019 levels after the pandemic, they might not reach that height again until 2029.
Tourism to the U.S. is expected to decline sharply by 9.4% this year, significantly impacted by the Trump Administration’s tariffs and rhetoric. High-profile delays at borders and political tensions have discouraged potential international travellers, particularly from Canada, which may see a drop of 20%. This decline will affect the tourism economy, with significant losses anticipated for airlines, hotels, and local industries.
In essence, the cumulative effects of the Trump Administration’s policies and charged rhetoric are poised to severely stifle international tourism to the U.S. While earlier predictions envisioned growth, the reality now paints a stark picture of declining visitor numbers, especially from Canada, with detailed forecasts indicating significant economic repercussions for various travel-related sectors. The future of international travel to the U.S. looks uncertain, stretching far beyond the horizon until potential recovery.
Original Source: time.com
