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U.S. Tourism Slide Deepens as January Foreign Visits Fall 4.8%

Analysts link the decline to Trump-era entry barriers that complicate travel, discouraging visitors.

Overview

  • Official NTTO data show January marked the ninth straight year-over-year drop in foreign arrivals, extending the downturn into 2026.
  • WTTC reports the U.S. was the only major destination with fewer international visitors in 2025, falling about 6% despite global growth.
  • Canada-led weakness is weighing heavily: 2025 visits fell 22% with an estimated $4.5 billion hit, January traffic was 28% below January 2024, and WestJet and Air Transat cut U.S. flying.
  • European demand looks soft with more than 14% fewer summer bookings, as TUI and Air France-KLM flag unusually low interest in the U.S., especially in Northern Europe.
  • Industry groups point to stricter entry rules, proposed new fees and social-media screening, and expanded travel bans, with WTTC estimating potential losses near $15.7 billion as forecasts suggest even the World Cup may not fully offset the slump.