Overview
- Foreign tourist arrivals to the US fell by nearly 12% year-on-year in March, marking the first major decline since the pandemic recovery began.
- German tourism to the US saw a 28% drop, with significant declines also reported from Western Europe (17%), Central America (24%), and China (11%).
- Reports of detentions at US entry points, including cases involving travelers with valid documentation, have raised concerns and deterred potential visitors.
- Tourism expert Adam Sacks attributes the downturn to divisive policies and rhetoric under President Trump's administration, which have impacted global perceptions of the US.
- Experts warn that continued declines in international tourism could cost the US industry billions, though data from key markets like Mexico and Canada remains incomplete.