Why the United States Is Seeing an Ongoing Tourism Slump

NYT Homepage

by Ceylan Yeğinsu

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The United States is experiencing a significant and ongoing decline in international tourism, making it the only major global destination to report such a downturn last year. While other regions saw growth, the U.S. faced challenges including increased border scrutiny, concerns over ICE-related violence, and shifting policies under the Trump administration. These factors have contributed to a 6% drop in foreign visitors in 2025, with January alone showing a 4.8% decline compared to the previous year. Key markets like Canada, Germany, and France have been particularly impacted, with Canadian tourism plunging by 28% in January—a stark contrast to Mexico, which remains the top source of international travelers to the U.S. Even long-haul markets like Britain saw minimal growth of just 0.5%. This decline has hit popular destinations hard, such as Florida’s Richard’s Hotel in Hollywood, which relies heavily on Canadian visitors. The situation was further exacerbated by controversial comments from President Trump, including threats to annex Greenland and criticisms of British military contributions in Afghanistan, which discouraged potential travelers. The impact on the U.S. tourism industry is significant, with hotels, airlines, and local businesses facing financial losses. This downturn not only affects the economy but also raises questions about the country’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination. The situation underscores broader concerns about border policies, international relations, and how unpredictable political climate can influence global travel trends. For readers interested in news and travel trends, this story highlights the interconnectedness of politics, policy, and tourism. It serves as a cautionary tale for other countries about the potential long-term consequences of implementing restrictive immigration policies and how they can affect international visitor numbers and local economies. As the U.S. continues to grapple with these challenges, its ability to recover and rebuild its reputation as a top travel destination remains uncertain.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026