Overview

• The United States is projected to lose $12.5 billion in tourism revenue in 2025, with visitor spending expected to decline by 7% year-on-year, according to the WTTC.
• International arrivals to the US fell significantly in March 2025, with key markets such as Germany, the UK, and South Korea reporting declines of 15–28%.
• New York City revises its 2025 forecast, anticipating 400,000 fewer tourists and $4 billion less in spending compared to 2024, with staffing cuts reported in upstate regions.
• Proposed increases to ESTA fees, from $21 to $40, are raising industry concerns about further deterring foreign visitors.
• WTTC forecasts a prolonged recovery for US tourism, with pre-pandemic levels unlikely to return before 2030, as domestic travel accounts for 90% of the sector.