International travelers, particularly Canadians, are increasingly choosing to avoid visiting the United States in response to President Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric, leading to significant impacts on U.S. tourism numbers.
Recent data shows Canadians are actively boycotting travel to the U.S., primarily due to ongoing trade disputes and controversial statements from President Trump, including repeated suggestions about annexing Canada as America’s 51st state. The situation has prompted a defiant response from Canadian citizens, who recently held an “Elbows Up” demonstration at Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square to protest U.S. tariffs and presidential policies.
The White House has maintained an optimistic stance, with a
spokesperson asserting that “everybody wants to come to President Trump’s America.” The administration further suggested that Canadians would benefit from no longer dealing with international travel procedures once Canada becomes part of the United States, while emphasizing that Europeans are welcome to participate in what they termed “the Golden Age of America.”
This travel boycott coincides with a substantial $50 billion deficit in U.S. travel revenues. The situation was further complicated when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau encouraged his citizens to “choose Canada,” advocating for domestic tourism and highlighting the country’s numerous national and provincial parks, historical landmarks, and tourist destinations.
The U.S. Travel Association has acknowledged these challenges, citing concerns about America’s perceived welcomeness, economic slowdown, and safety issues. The organization has committed to working alongside the White House and Congress to implement policies aimed at economic growth and maintaining U.S. global competitiveness.
The impact extends beyond North America, with international travel trends showing a broader decline in visits to the United States. Tourism Economics, a prominent research firm, has revised its initial projection of 9 percent growth in international travel to the U.S., now forecasting a 5 percent decrease.
European travel patterns to the United States have shown varied responses. According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, German arrivals decreased by 8.5 percent between February 2024 and February 2025. French travelers showed a 5.6 percent decline, while other Western European countries experienced a 3.9 percent reduction. However, some nations bucked this trend, with the United Kingdom and Italy showing increases of 6.9 percent and 0.1 percent respectively during the same period.
These developments represent a significant shift in international travel patterns and highlight growing concerns about U.S. policies and their impact on global tourism. The trend suggests a broader reassessment of the United States as a travel destination, influenced by both political considerations and economic factors.
The declining tourism numbers pose a challenge for the U.S. economy, which has historically benefited from substantial international visitor spending. The current situation reflects a complex interplay of political tensions, economic considerations, and changing global perceptions of the United States under the current administration.
Industry experts suggest these trends could have long-term
implications for U.S. tourism, potentially affecting businesses, employment, and economic growth in regions heavily dependent on international visitors. The situation continues to evolve as various stakeholders work to address these challenges and maintain the United States’ position as a premier global travel destination.