Saturday, May 24, 2025

European and Canadian travellers are significantly reducing their plans to visit the United States during the summer of 2025, with flight bookings and international arrivals dropping sharply compared to previous years. This downward trend is largely attributed to political tensions, including the policies and public perception of the Trump administration, as well as concerns raised by various governments regarding travel safety.

This analysis is based on a recent report from Tourism Economics, part of Oxford Economics, and highlights a major shift in international travel patterns that may impact the U.S. economy, which has historically benefited from robust inbound tourism.

The report reveals that European travellers have reduced their summer 2025 trip plans to the U.S. by approximately , reflecting broader sentiment challenges linked to U.S. political policies and bilateral relations.

The decline is even more pronounced for Canadian travellers, with flight bookings between Canada and the U.S. during May to July down by a staggering . These figures underscore a substantial shift in travel behaviour between close economic partners.

Tourism Economics data show that as of April 2025, international inbound flight bookings for travel to the U.S. during May had fallen by . The decline continues with and . Overall, the forecast predicts an to the United States in 2025, compared to previous expectations of post-pandemic recovery growth.

The decline in visitor numbers is expected to translate directly into lower tourism spending. The report forecasts a reduction of , which equates to a .

The U.S. travel and tourism industry has been a significant contributor to the country’s economic growth and employment. According to the U.S. Travel Association, tourism generated , supporting millions of jobs. A sustained drop in international arrivals and spending could affect related sectors such as hospitality, retail, transportation, and cultural attractions.

Several factors are cited for the decline in international travel demand to the U.S., prominently including the policies of the Trump administration, which have generated considerable international scrutiny and concern.

According to Oxford Economics, these “sentiment headwinds” are disrupting the previously optimistic outlook for international tourism growth that followed the easing of pandemic restrictions.

In response to these challenges, various U.S. government agencies and industry groups have acknowledged the need to restore confidence in the U.S. as a welcoming and safe travel destination.

The Biden administration, following the Trump era, has emphasized reversing some of the more restrictive policies to rebuild international goodwill and encourage inbound travel.

International travel has long been a cornerstone of the U.S. economy. According to the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office, the U.S. welcomed over prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, generating significant spending that supported millions of American jobs.

The post-pandemic recovery of international travel had been expected to accelerate through 2024 and into 2025. However, geopolitical tensions, policy uncertainty, and public perception have led to revised forecasts.

Experts suggest that the U.S. tourism sector must focus on several key areas to regain momentum:

The U.S. Travel Association emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts across federal, state, and local governments, alongside private industry stakeholders, to rebuild the U.S.’s image as a top international destination.

For travellers planning trips to the U.S., official resources provide updated travel information and guidance:

Industry stakeholders can consult reports and data from organizations like Tourism Economics and the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) for the latest trends.

The summer 2025 travel season is witnessing a notable pullback in European and Canadian visitors to the United States.

Political tensions, tariff disputes, and safety concerns have shifted travel sentiment, leading to an expected decline in international arrivals and tourism spending. These developments underscore the intricate link between geopolitics and global travel patterns.

As the U.S. works to restore its attractiveness to foreign visitors, the coming years will be critical for addressing policy challenges, improving traveler experiences, and rebuilding international confidence in American destinations.