Decline in U.S. Tourism Amid Political Climate

The ongoing political climate in the United States, particularly under President Donald Trump's administration, has led to a significant decline in international tourism. Factors such as trade disputes, controversial political actions, and intensified immigration enforcement have contributed to a perception that the U.S. is a less appealing destination for foreign travelers. According to the U.S. Commerce Department's National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), there was a 5.4 percent decrease in total foreign travel to the United States through November 2025, primarily driven by a notable reduction in Canadian visitors.

Travel agents report a marked shift in consumer behavior, particularly among Canadian travelers. Christine Fiorelli, owner of Fairytale Dreams & Destinations, noted a 30 percent decrease in clients booking U.S. Disney vacations, with many opting for Disneyland Paris instead. This sentiment is echoed by travelers like Catherine Norris from Toronto, who stated, "It will probably be at least five to 10 years before we will travel to the U.S. again." In 2024, Canada was the leading market for visitors to Orlando, home of Walt Disney World, with 1.2 million visitors, although future projections remain uncertain.

The decline in tourism is not limited to theme parks; it has also impacted U.S. national parks. Intrepid Travel reported a 42 percent drop in bookings for U.S. national park tours in 2026, with Canadian bookings plummeting by 93 percent. Luxury travel agency Cazenove+Loyd has even canceled plans for tailored itineraries in states known for their national parks. Hotel operators like Hilton Worldwide have reported decreased per-room revenue and occupancy rates in the U.S., contrasting with rising figures in other regions.

Despite the downturn, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly asserted that President Trump's "America First" agenda has positioned the U.S. as a leader in global tourism. However, the World Travel and Tourism Council estimates a 6 percent drop in foreign visitors to the U.S. in 2025, even as global tourism is expected to rise by 6.7 percent. Marriott International's CEO has indicated that the company is actively working to encourage government officials to adopt more welcoming policies for international visitors.

Critics argue that the current administration's immigration policies and proposals, such as requiring travelers to submit social media data, have fostered a perception of the U.S. as an unwelcoming destination. Erik Hansen, head of government relations for the U.S. Travel Association, warned that these measures could deter millions of potential vacationers from choosing the U.S. for their travels.

While some sources indicate a significant decline in international bookings, others suggest that the number of denied entries and searches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not increased compared to previous administrations. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of the current travel landscape and the varying perceptions of safety and accessibility in the U.S.

• “Many travellers are still eager for that magical Disney experience but prefer to avoid supporting US-based parks at this time,” — Christine Fiorelli, Owner, Fairytale Dreams & Destinations

• “It will probably be at least five to 10 years before we will travel to the US again,” — Catherine Norris, Traveler

• “When you look at the data, the number of phone searches by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the number of denied entries has not gone up compared to previous administrations,” — Erik Hansen, Head of Government Relations, U.S. Travel Association