The United States, long a beacon for international tourists drawn to its vibrant cities, iconic landmarks, and sprawling national parks, is facing an unprecedented crisis in its tourism industry. In the wake of President Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection and his administration’s polarizing policies, travelers from around the globe are canceling their plans to visit the U.S., citing a mix of political rhetoric, restrictive border measures, and an unwelcoming climate. The impact is staggering, with projections estimating billions in lost revenue and thousands of jobs at risk. This phenomenon, described by some as a “Trump-induced disaster,” has sparked intense debate about America’s global image and the economic fallout of its current leadership. What’s driving this mass exodus of tourists, and how is it reshaping the nation’s tourism landscape? Let’s explore the heart of this seismic shift.

A Golden Era Fades: The U.S. Tourism Boom

Before 2025, the U.S. tourism industry was on a path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, over 72 million international visitors contributed $1.3 trillion to the economy, supporting millions of jobs in hospitality, retail, and transportation. Canada, the top source of tourists, sent 20.4 million travelers who spent $20.5 billion, while Western Europe, particularly Britain and Germany, accounted for 37% of overseas arrivals. Destinations like New York City, Florida’s theme parks, and California’s national parks thrived, with projections for 2025 forecasting a 9% growth in inbound travel.

This optimism has crumbled. A February 2025 report by Tourism Economics, a research firm affiliated with Oxford University, reversed its forecast, predicting a 5.5% decline in international arrivals, equating to an $18 billion annual loss in tourist spending. Some estimates, factoring in broader trade wars and domestic travel slumps, suggest losses could reach $64 billion in 2025. The catalyst? Trump’s policies and rhetoric, which have alienated key allies and created a perception of America as an unwelcoming destination.

The Trigger: Trump’s Polarizing Policies

Since taking office in January 2025, Trump’s administration has implemented measures that have reverberated globally. His imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, alongside threats of 200% tariffs on European alcoholic beverages, has sparked trade tensions with allies like Canada and the European Union. Trump’s provocative rhetoric, including repeated calls to make Canada the “51st state” and to “buy” Greenland from Denmark, has been perceived as dismissive and offensive, prompting backlash from travelers. In Canada, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged citizens to vacation domestically, a call echoed by 36% of Canadians who canceled U.S. trips by March 2025, according to a Leger poll.

Beyond trade, Trump’s immigration policies have heightened fears. Stricter border enforcement, including a requirement for foreigners staying over 30 days to register and submit fingerprints, has deterred visitors. Reports of detentions—such as a British woman held for 10 days over a visa issue and a Canadian tourist chained during a 12-day detention—have fueled perceptions of arbitrary treatment. European countries like the UK, Germany, and Denmark have updated travel advisories, warning of potential arrests and issuing specific cautions for transgender and non-binary citizens due to Trump’s executive order recognizing only two biological sexes.

Trump’s domestic rhetoric, targeting migrants, foreigners, and the LGBTQ+ community, has also contributed. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with users like @thesecondellen claiming, “NO ONE wants to come to your America anymore @realDonaldTrump. Tourism is way down from all countries.” While such posts may exaggerate, they capture a growing global unease about America’s political climate.

The Numbers: A Tourism Collapse

The data paints a grim picture. In February 2025, Canadian border crossings by car dropped 24%, with some crossings seeing declines up to 45% compared to 2024. Air travel bookings from Canada to the U.S. plummeted by over 70%, prompting Air Canada to reduce flights to destinations like Las Vegas. Mexico, the second-largest inbound market, saw a 6% drop in air travel, echoing a 3% decline during Trump’s first term. Western Europe, which contributed $155 billion in 2023, reported a 1% overall decline in February, with sharper drops from countries like Denmark (6%), Germany (9%), and Slovenia (26%).

Preliminary data from the National Travel and Tourism Office shows a 2.4% drop in international arrivals in February 2025, with March seeing an 11.6% decline compared to 2024. Specific countries like Colombia (33%), Germany (28%), and Spain (25%) reported significant decreases. The World Travel and Tourism Council projects a 7% fall in international visitor spending, from $181 billion in 2024 to $169 billion in 2025, a level 22% below the 2019 peak.

Voices of the Boycott: Why Tourists Are Staying Away

Individual stories highlight the personal motivations behind the cancellations. Bertha Lopez, a Mexican-Canadian living near Toronto, canceled a trip to Arizona to visit a sick friend, opting to bring her friend to Canada instead. “All of this talk of making Canada the 51st state has been upsetting. It’s just incredibly offensive,” she said, vowing to avoid U.S. brands like Tide and Disney. Jens Muellers, a 31-year-old German, scrapped a planned road trip to U.S. national parks, citing Trump’s tariffs and layoffs at the National Park Service. Instead, he’s heading to Canada, marking his fifth missed U.S. trip.

In Europe, Danish traveler Kennet Brask canceled a Florida fishing trip after Trump’s “rude” behavior toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, choosing Mexico instead. Kim Kugel Sorenson, another Dane, removed a stars-and-stripes tattoo and canceled a California wedding trip, reacting to Trump’s Greenland rhetoric. These decisions reflect a mix of political protest, safety concerns, and disillusionment with America’s direction.

Canadians, the backbone of U.S. tourism, are leading the boycott. A Narrative Research survey found 62% of Maritime Canadians plan to travel less to the U.S., with 54% citing disagreement with Trump’s leadership and 35% expressing safety fears. Lorna Hundt, CEO of Great Canadian Holidays, reported that most U.S. tours are “dead in the water,” with customers unwilling to spend money in a country they feel is waging an “economic war” against them.

The Economic Toll: A Struggling Industry

The tourism industry, still recovering from the pandemic, faces dire consequences. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that a 10% drop in Canadian visitors alone could cost $2.1 billion and 140,000 hospitality jobs. Hotel bookings in border areas like Niagara Falls, New York, and Bellingham, Washington, fell 8% and 12%, respectively, in early 2025. The American Bus Association and National Tour Association report widespread cancellations, with 61% of hoteliers noting lost room nights.

Domestic travel is also softening, with Delta, Southwest, and United airlines cutting 2025 forecasts due to economic uncertainty and declining consumer confidence, which hit a two-year low in early 2025. A stronger U.S. dollar, while boosting American travel abroad, makes the U.S. more expensive for foreigners, exacerbating the decline. Tourism Economics predicts a 1.4% drop in domestic travel, compounding the international shortfall.

Where Are Tourists Going Instead?

Rather than abandoning travel, many are redirecting their plans. Canadians are exploring domestic destinations like British Columbia and national parks, with domestic bookings up 6% for summer 2025. Others are choosing Mexico, the Caribbean, or Europe, where vacation rental bookings from Canadians jumped 32% for June to August. Europeans are opting for regional travel or countries like Canada, which has seen increased interest from Germans and Danes. Penelope Poole, from the Philippines, swapped a Florida cruise for a Canadian lakeside resort, citing Trump’s rhetoric.

The Other Side: Resilience in Some Sectors

Not all data supports a total collapse. A New York Times analysis found that international airport arrivals in 2025 are nearly on par with 2024, suggesting some travelers are proceeding despite concerns. Many trips are booked months in advance, and cancellations may be limited by non-refundable deposits. U.S. airlines like American, Delta, and United report strong international sales, driven largely by Americans traveling abroad. TUI, Europe’s largest tour operator, expects steady demand for U.S. city trips and camper tours, particularly from Germans.

However, these bright spots are overshadowed by regional declines, particularly in border states reliant on Canadian visitors. Northern towns in Michigan, Montana, and Washington face significant losses, while major hubs like New York City, where Canadians are the second-largest visitor group, may weather the storm better due to diverse markets.

The Broader Implications: America’s Global Image

The tourism crisis reflects a broader erosion of America’s appeal. A March 2025 YouGov poll found unfavorable opinions of the U.S. in Britain (53%), Germany (56%), Sweden (63%), and Denmark (74%), the lowest since 2016. Trump’s alignment with Russia in the Ukraine conflict, his tariffs, and his anti-minority rhetoric have fueled this shift. The U.S. risks losing its status as the world’s top travel destination, with long-term economic and cultural consequences.

For the Trump administration, the downturn is a minor concern. A White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, pointed to the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as opportunities to showcase America’s greatness. Trump himself dismissed the issue, attributing cancellations to “a little nationalism.” Yet, industry leaders warn that reversing this trend will be challenging, especially with visa delays and stricter border rules deterring visitors.

What’s Next?

As 2025 progresses, the tourism industry braces for further declines. The World Travel and Tourism Council’s Julia Simpson noted, “The U.S. has firmly got a ‘we’re not open for business’ sign,” contrasting with countries welcoming tourists with open arms. Whether the administration adjusts its approach or doubles down remains unclear, but the stakes are high for an industry that supports millions of livelihoods.

For now, the image of tourists like Peter Mulholland, who canceled his annual Seattle baseball trip, and Kennet Brask, who chose Mexico over Florida, defines this moment. Their decisions, echoed by millions, signal a profound shift in how the world views America—a shift that could reshape its economy and identity for years to come.

Conclusion

The mass cancellation of U.S. trips, driven by Trump’s policies and rhetoric, is more than an economic crisis—it’s a cultural reckoning. From Canadian boycotts to European hesitancy, the global backlash reflects deep unease with America’s direction. As hotels empty, flights are cut, and landmarks see fewer visitors, the nation faces a stark reality: its appeal as a destination is faltering. Whether this “Trump disaster” can be reversed remains to be seen, but for now, the world is voting with its feet, and America is paying the price. Stay tuned—this story is far from over.