Overview
- New WTTC research finds U.S. inbound visitors fell 5.5% in 2025 and their spending dropped 4.6% to $176 billion even as the world added about 80 million international trips.
- North America posted the weakest tourism growth last year, while Asia-Pacific jumped 8.2% and China’s travel economy grew 9.9%, narrowing the gap with the U.S.
- The steepest U.S. decline came from Canada with 4.2 million fewer trips, a shift that hurt border communities that depend on cross-border shoppers and vacationers.
- Analysts and U.S. government data tie the slide to tougher entry rules, increased border scrutiny, reports of detainments and deportations, and new or proposed measures such as a $250 visa fee and social media checks.
- The White House disputed that policy choices hurt tourism and said major events will showcase the country, as industry groups look to the 2026 FIFA World Cup—estimated to draw about 1.24 million overseas visitors—yet warn costs and safety perceptions could blunt gains.