Hey everyone, welcome back! Today we’re diving into a topic that’s making headlines around the world—the sudden drop in international tourism to the United States. If you’ve been wondering why fewer people are coming to visit America this year, the numbers are in, and the story is more dramatic than you might think.
So here’s the big picture. In 2024, international visitors spent about 181 billion dollars in the U.S. Fast forward to 2025, and that figure is expected to dip below 169 billion. That’s a huge 12.5 billion dollar loss—and here’s the kicker—the U.S. is the only major country seeing a decline in tourist spending right now.
Let’s talk about what’s driving this. First off, travel costs are shooting up. The government just announced a new 250 dollar “visa integrity fee” for travelers from non-visa waiver countries. That means for many people, getting a U.S. visa is now one of the most expensive in the world. Add that to stricter border controls and longer wait times, and the whole process feels more like a headache than a holiday.
And you can see the impact on the ground. New York City, a global tourism magnet, is seeing fewer foreign arrivals. Over in Las Vegas, visitor numbers dropped 12 percent in July alone, and hotel occupancy rates are sliding. Tour operators in Europe, like TUI, are saying their customers are simply choosing Canada, Asia, or Africa instead, because the U.S. feels less welcoming.
What does this all mean? Well, less tourism means fewer dollars flowing into restaurants, hotels, shows, and attractions that depend heavily on international travelers. It’s a ripple effect across the economy—and it’s sparking debates about whether current policies are helping or hurting.
So here’s my takeaway. America is still one of the most diverse and exciting places to visit, from the lights of Vegas to the skyline of New York. But unless policies shift and the country works to rebuild a friendlier image, more travelers will keep looking elsewhere.
Thanks for tuning in, and if you’ve traveled to the U.S. recently, I’d love to hear about your experience. Was it smooth or stressful? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it.