International tourism collapses in the U.S. after Trump's return and his immigration policies

International tourism in the United States is experiencing a significant decline that worries local authorities and industry entrepreneurs.

Cities near the northern border, such as Buffalo, and major tourist destinations like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Washington have reported fewer foreign visitors this summer.

According to the agency Associated Press (AP), the phenomenon is clearly observed in Buffalo, New York, where a sign reading “Buffalo Loves Canada” and a promotional campaign with giveaways failed to attract the Canadian audience that traditionally fills hotels and shops during the summer season.

Experts attribute the collapse to Donald Trump's return to the White House and the measures implemented during his second term.

Tariffs, hostile rhetoric towards Canada and Greenland, the reinstatement of immigration bans, a hardline approach to visas, and mass ICE raids have created an atmosphere of distrust abroad.

"It is discouraging to see how the arrival of visitors declines due to simple issues of discourse," lamented Patrick Kaler, director of Visit Buffalo Niagara.

The World Travel and Tourism Council projected that the United States would be the only country, among 184 analyzed, where spending by foreign tourists would decline in 2025, AP noted.

"The largest economy in global tourism is heading in the wrong direction," warned Julia Simpson, president of the organization.

The firm Tourism Economics anticipates an 8.2% decrease in the arrival of international visitors this year, well below the levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Official data indicates that in the first seven months of 2025, three million fewer tourists arrived, with notable declines from Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The impact has been felt in various areas. The prestigious dance championship Lindy Hop, which each year brings together competitors from over 20 countries, has been postponed after dozens of foreign participants declined to travel to New York.

In the capital, those in charge of Destination DC estimate a 5.1% drop in visits and have launched a campaign to counteract the "negative rhetoric" from the federal government.

The consequences are also reflected in the data from Canada, traditionally the main source of tourists to the United States.

This summer, for the first time in nearly two decades —excluding the pandemic— more Americans crossed into Canada than Canadians heading the opposite way.

In July, road visits from Canada dropped by 37% and flights by 26%, according to figures from Statistics Canada.

According to AP, not all regions have been affected with the same intensity, as the state of Wisconsin and Door Peninsula reported a good summer thanks to local tourism, while American airlines managed to keep their international flights busy with domestic travelers who purchased premium class tickets.

Despite these nuances, the general trend is concerning to analysts. Deborah Friedland, a specialist at Eisner Advisory Group, summarized the situation: “The sector faces several obstacles: rising costs, political uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions. And in tourism, perception is reality.”

In this scenario, Secretary of State Marco Rubio's foreign policy and Trump's measures on immigration and trade appear to have diminished the appeal of the U.S. as a destination.

"When travelers do not feel welcome, they seek other countries that will open their doors to them," concluded AP in its report.

The decline of tourism in the United States is not limited to the drop in visitors in iconic cities such as Las Vegas or Washington.

The crisis has affected the aviation sector, where major European airlines have reduced their flights to the country due to a decline in international demand and the climate of distrust generated by immigration policies.

The repercussions also impacted the hospitality giants. American hotel chains and airlines acknowledged million-dollar losses, reflecting a contraction that not only affects tourist arrivals but also domestic consumption related to travel and accommodation.

The tightening of immigration bans and the return of restrictive measures led to numerous flights to the U.S. being canceled, both due to decisions made by foreign airlines and a lack of passengers willing to face the new obstacles imposed at customs and embassies.

The economic impact is undeniable: more than 230,000 jobs in the sector are at risk, from airport and hotel workers to small businesses that rely on tourism.

What was once one of the main pillars of the American economy is now facing a crisis that threatens to prolong itself if the current restrictive policies are not reversed.

Impact of Trump's policies on international tourism in the U.S.