The United States is experiencing a notable downturn in international tourism, triggering concern across the hospitality and travel sectors as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to recent data, the US welcomed approximately 68.3 million international visitors in 2025, marking a roughly 5.5% decline from 72.3 million arrivals in 2024. This represents the first drop in international inbound tourism since the post-pandemic recovery began. International visitor spending also contracted by between 2.4% and 6%, even as global tourism continued to grow by around 4%.
The decline has been particularly evident in key source markets. Arrivals from Canada — traditionally one of the largest — fell sharply by 20-25% in several periods. Weakness was also reported from parts of Europe, including Germany, along with softer demand from other overseas visitors.
While domestic tourism has remained relatively resilient, the weakness in international arrivals has become a focal point for industry leaders and policymakers.
Factors Behind the Downturn
Analysts and media reports have attributed the slump to a combination of factors. These include tighter border and immigration policies, longer visa processing times, and a perceived less welcoming image of the United States among some international travelers. A strong US dollar has made visits more expensive, while concerns over safety perceptions, airport experiences, and global economic uncertainty have added to the challenges.
The situation has been widely labeled in international coverage as the “Trump slump,” with critics pointing to policy rhetoric and enforcement measures as deterrents for leisure and business travelers alike.
World Cup Expectations Tempered
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, had been expected to deliver a significant economic boost. Projections earlier suggested billions in new spending, millions of additional visitors, and substantial job creation, particularly in host cities across the US.
However, current indicators point to tempered enthusiasm. Hotel operators in many host cities report bookings running below expectations, with some surveys showing 80% of properties experiencing softer demand. FIFA has reportedly released thousands of reserved hotel rooms back into the general market. International visitor forecasts for the tournament have been revised downward, with high ticket prices, travel costs, and visa hurdles cited as obstacles.
Cities like Seattle have seen projected international World Cup attendance drop by around 17%. While the event is still expected to generate a modest lift in tourism — potentially 1-3% growth in international visits and spending for 2026 — it may not fully offset the losses from 2025 or restore arrivals to pre-pandemic peaks in the near term.
Outlook and Recovery Efforts
The United States stands out as one of the few major tourism destinations to see contraction in 2025 while the rest of the world rebounded. Industry groups, including the US Travel Association, are advocating for stronger destination marketing campaigns under initiatives like Visit USA to help reverse the trend.
Longer-term recovery could extend into 2029, depending on how policies, perceptions, and global conditions evolve. The World Cup will undoubtedly bring large crowds and economic activity, particularly from domestic travelers, but expectations have been significantly scaled back from initial optimism.
As the tournament draws closer, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether targeted promotion and on-the-ground improvements can help restore the US’s appeal as a premier international destination.
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