US lost 4 million tourists in 2025 — and the World Cup won't fix it
The United States experienced a significant decline in international tourism in 2025, losing approximately 4 million visitors and $14 billion in spending. Factors contributing to this decline include negative perceptions of the country and trade tensions, particularly with Canada. Although the upcoming World Cup is expected to attract some tourists, projections have been downgraded, and hotel rates are already being cut.
- ▪The US saw a 5.5% drop in international visitors in 2025 compared to the previous year.
- ▪Canada experienced a more than 20% decline in visits to the US, with mobile tracking data indicating a 42% drop in major cities.
- ▪A survey revealed that 46% of travelers were less likely to visit the US due to the Trump administration's policies.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
US lost 4 million tourists in 2025 — and the World Cup won't fix it Ellsworth Toohey 2:43 pm Mon May 25, 2026 Ringo Chiu/shutterstock.com Eighty million more people traveled internationally in 2025 than the year before. But they weren't coming to the United States. CNN's analysis of the tourism collapse: roughly 4 million fewer international visitors and $14 billion in lost spending — a 5.5% drop. Canada led the retreat, down more than 20% in official figures, with mobile tracking data suggesting that Canadian visits to major American cities fell by about 42%. Germany was off 11.3%. The list goes on: India, France, Australia, Chile, China. Juliette Kayyem of Harvard Kennedy School summed up the brand damage: "We used to be a country that others wanted to emulate.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Boing Boing.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Boing Boing
