The recent political climate surrounding President Donald Trump has seriously hampered international tourism. Consequently, international travel to the United States has plummeted. Trump’s economic experts have blamed this shrinking on a host of factors including his tariffs, his anti-immigration agenda and the anti-Canada/Greenland diplomacy fiasco. These challenges have made it an uninviting place for tourists as well. That’s particularly the case for our closest international neighbor, Canada, whose residents have historically spent the most on U.S. tourism.
Data shows that international arrivals to the U.S.—particularly visitors from major countries of origin—fell off sharply shortly after Trump took office. During that same time period, foreign visitors fell by 1.6%. This drop was particularly significant when compared to the same period last year. For her, Canadian travel to the U.S. has already been dealt a major, knockout blow. In July, the decrease in Canadian residents returning by car was 37% and air travel as well was down 26%.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Trump’s suggestions that the U.S. should annex Canada and buy Greenland have helped in scaring away would-be visitors. Most of these feelings of unwelcomeness are reported by international travelers, and some of these events have had to rethink their options in the U.S. For instance, the International Lindy Hop Championships saw a decrease in international participants due to Trump’s presidency, with competitors feeling that they would not be welcomed. Event organizers mentioned a perception of hostility towards foreigners as one reason for the postponement of an international swing dancing event.
In addition to these emotions, tourism associations have had to rework their plans due to fewer Canadians crossing the border. And so Visit Buffalo Niagara has focused its marketing on nearby cities—Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago. A shift in strategy They know that they need to pivot as Canadian interest heads south. Meanwhile, Destination DC has launched a campaign aimed at countering negative perceptions about Washington, D.C., featuring local residents to showcase the city’s more personal side.
Industry experts have pointed out that rising travel costs and political uncertainty under Trump add further strain to the U.S. travel industry. And as Deborah Friedland, managing director at Eisner Advisory Group, pointed out, the sector is facing even more stress. These challenges are exacerbated by the increasing geopolitical competition and conflict.
“The world’s biggest travel and tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction,” – Julia Simpson
Travel trends reflect this concerning trajectory. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration anticipates one of the busiest Labor Day weekends in 15 years. This wave is not a sign of recovery for international tourism. Arrivals from Western Europe are down 2.3%. Such a decline is unheard of, with Denmark losing 19% of its market, Germany seeing a 10% decline, and France down by 6.6%. Arrivals from areas like Hong Kong, Indonesia, and the Philippines have all experienced double-digit declines as well.
“To see the traffic drop off so significantly, especially because of rhetoric that can be changed, is so disheartening,” – Kaler
The ramifications of this drop go deeper than statistics. They influence international relations and the way countries are seen by one another. Kaler was clear that Canadians are not just people U.S. businesses like to sell more stuff to.
“I don’t want Canadians to feel like we see them as just dollar signs or a transaction at our cash registers. They mean more to us than that,” – Kaler
After all these hurdles, some industry stakeholders are finding reasons to be hopeful about the prospects of the return of robust Canada-U.S. tourism. Kaler stated,
“We will always welcome Canadians back when the time is right.”
Nonetheless, the overall mood is still decidedly pensive. Tena Morales, who plays a leadership role in organizing the dance events featured on the tour, expressed disappointment that not much has changed for many possible participants.
“The climate is still the same and what we’re hearing is still the same, that (dancers) don’t want to come here,” – Tena Morales
Tourism officials are eagerly working to rebuild international relationships and restore traveler confidence. Yet they face the monumental task of doing this within a heated political climate that continues to influence worldwide perceptions. The outlook for U.S. tourism is grim. Stakeholders are just rounding into 2023, doing everything they can to work through these complexities and welcome international visitors once again.
