Tourism disaster: USA loses billions, Trump is deterred!

Tourism disaster: USA loses billions, Trump is deterred!

The United States is experiencing an unprecedented crisis in the tourism sector under Donald Trump's presidency. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the United States is the only country out of 184 analyzed to see a decline in international visitor numbers and spending. The decline, amounting to as much as $12.5 billion, could leave the country with a $29 billion deficit this year, sending alarming signals for the U.S. economy.

Particularly hard hit are travelers from Canada, whose numbers have fallen by 20.2 percent, and those from Western Europe, who have fallen by almost five percent. Canadian vacationers, who accounted for a quarter of all foreign travelers to the U.S. in 2024, showed a drastic decline in arrivals in May: 38 percent fewer arrived by car, while arrivals by air fell 24 percent. In comparison, global tourism is booming, with a five percent increase in 2025, but the US cannot benefit.

Declining numbers from Europe and Asia

The German tourist base has also fallen sharply, with a ten percent decline in the first quarter of 2025. While Japan recorded a record 3.9 million international tourists, the US is in reverse gear. Economists point out that these declines could further widen the trade deficit and significantly damage the U.S. economy. According to forecasts, analysts at Goldman Sachs expect economic damage of up to $90 billion in 2025.

In addition, the political rhetoric, together with entry bans and strict customs policies, is a deterrent to payment behavior for tourists, especially from the LGBTQ+ community. These measures are causing travelers from various countries who once frequently traveled to the United States to increasingly turn away from the country.

Economic impact and future outlook

The problems in the tourism sector are already having a negative impact on gross domestic product, which fell by 0.5 percent in the first quarter of 2025. The US tourism industry, which accounted for around three percent of US GDP in 2023 and supports 15 million jobs, is facing major challenges.

Julia Simpson, the CEO of the WTTC, is calling for urgent action to restore the confidence of international travelers to help the sector get back on its feet. The current situation shows that the decline in tourism is not just a temporary phenomenon but could have long-term consequences for the American economy.

All in all, it is clear that the situation could continue to worsen if rapid action is not taken to revitalize tourism in the USA and bring about positive developments in the industry. Mercury and Mirror Both report on these critical developments and their far-reaching consequences for the country.