Members of the US travel industry are starting to discover the damage to visitor numbers caused by their country's increasingly erratic leadership.
Inbound travel to the US this year is expected to fall for the first time since 2020, a recent report from the US Travel Association reveals.
The report says inbound visits are projected to fall 6.3% to 67.9 million - which is just 85% of 2019 pre-Covid levels.
That is a significant drop from the group’s previous forecast in January, which projected an 8.8% increase to 78.8 million visits during 2025.
The Travel Forecast projected minimal growth in travel spending for 2025 and a significant decline in international inbound travel, which is a critical driver of the US economy, jobs and global influence.
While domestic travel is holding steady, the continued decline in international visitors threatens billions in spending and thousands of jobs, travel news hub Skift reported.
"The next decade can be one of extraordinary growth, but only if we act decisively." the organisation said. "Outdated systems, excessive visa wait times and new travel deterrents are driving global visitors elsewhere.
"The US must lead by modernizing travel infrastructure, streamlining entry processes and sending a clear message: America is open for business.”
By "travel deterrents", the US Travel Association probably means the increased hassles and potential turnarounds visitors to the US face for "misdemeanours" as inconsequential as social media posts critical of US president Donald Trump.
Potential visitors may be also be made uncomfortable by Trunp's loud "America First" ethos, and by the growing presence of masked ICE offers and armed military personnel on city streets.
The association says: "Travel is one of the most dynamic industries in the world, a powerful engine of economic growth that supports nearly one in 10 American jobs, contributes $2.9 trillion to GDP and provides opportunities for millions of Americans.
"Beyond economic impact, travel fosters social cohesion, strengthens cultural understanding and enriches lives by boosting health, resilience and lifelong learning."
Visits are predicted to drop from 72.4 million in 2024 to 67.9 million in 2025 - the first decline since 2020 - before rebounding with major events in 2026, including the World Cup.
# The US Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $US1.3 trillion travel industry. US Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for more info.
Image: Dominik Gehl, Scop.io
By "travel deterrents", the US Travel Association probably means the increased hassles and potential turnarounds visitors to the US face for "misdemeanours" as inconsequential as social media posts critical of US president Donald Trump.
Potential visitors may be also be made uncomfortable by Trunp's loud "America First" ethos, and by the growing presence of masked ICE offers and armed military personnel on city streets.
The association says: "Travel is one of the most dynamic industries in the world, a powerful engine of economic growth that supports nearly one in 10 American jobs, contributes $2.9 trillion to GDP and provides opportunities for millions of Americans.
"Beyond economic impact, travel fosters social cohesion, strengthens cultural understanding and enriches lives by boosting health, resilience and lifelong learning."
Visits are predicted to drop from 72.4 million in 2024 to 67.9 million in 2025 - the first decline since 2020 - before rebounding with major events in 2026, including the World Cup.
# The US Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $US1.3 trillion travel industry. US Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for more info.
Image: Dominik Gehl, Scop.io
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