In 2025, the US is struggling with a significant tourism crisis. Aggressive travel bans, widespread deportations, and growing trade tensions have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. This has led to a sharp decline in both international visitors and domestic travelers. Rather than experiencing the expected post-pandemic tourism boom, the country is facing a drop in visitor numbers, airline bookings, and hotel occupancy rates, which is costing the economy billions and threatening millions of jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The US, once a top destination for travelers seeking vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, and iconic landmarks, is now seeing a dramatic downturn in tourism. After a pandemic-induced slump, the country had hoped for a tourism rebound in 2025. However, aggressive immigration policies, heightened border detentions, and turbulent international trade relations have caused many foreign visitors to rethink their travel plans. The resulting decline is expected to have a severe impact on the national economy, particularly on the hospitality and tourism industries.
One example of the crisis is Cheryl, a Canadian originally living in St. Kitts. She had been a regular visitor to the US, traveling to Iowa each summer to spend time with her US-based children. Typically, she would spend around $10,000 on renting a house, booking a rental car, dining out, and exploring local attractions. However, in 2025, Cheryl decided not to make the trip, reflecting a broader trend among travelers.
The growing fear surrounding the US’s immigration policies, including the high-profile deportations and detentions frequently covered in the media, has made many travelers, like Cheryl, hesitant to visit. This uncertainty is causing a decline in tourism, with cautious travelers around the world choosing to stay away from the US.
