Projected Decline in U.S. International Tourism in 2025
International tourism to the United States is facing significant hurdles. Projections indicate an 8.7% decline in international arrivals for 2025. This downturn is especially impacting Canadian visitors, traditionally the largest source of inbound travel to the U.S. A significant 20.2% drop has followed former Prime Minister Trudeau’s earlier recommendations for Canadians to avoid U.S. vacations.
Tourism hotspots like Flagstaff, Arizona are witnessing 15-20% drops in international visitors year-over-year. This has compelled local tourism boards to shift their marketing strategies towards domestic travelers. The economic impact is considerable, with over 230,000 jobs potentially at risk in the dining and lodging sectors.
“International inbound travel is hugely important from an economic standpoint—people that come to the U.S. and visit spend on average $4,000 per visit,” according to the U.S. Travel Association.
Cities are now implementing new strategies to counteract this decline. These include:
- Promoting attractions like Flagstaff’s new Astronomy Discovery Center
- Seeking additional direct flight connections to attract American tourists
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-economy-international-travel-tourism-2025/