US bleeds visitors, China closes in on top tourism spot

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... Several reports indicate the U.S. is losing international visitors. According to a new assessment by the World Travel & Tourism Council, 80 million more people traveled internationally in 2025 compared with 2024, making it a bumper year for global travel. However, the U.S. did not benefit from the increase. Visitor numbers dropped by 5.5%, and international spending fell to $176 billion from $184 billion.

Canadian travelers have turned away from the U.S. in large numbers. There were 4.2 million fewer Canadians crossing the border in 2025, discouraged by the Trump administration's tariff policies and comments about making Canada the 51st state.

Visitors from Germany, India, and France have also declined significantly. As a region, North America saw just 1% growth, compared with global tourism growth of 4.1%.

It has not helped that several countries updated their travel advisories for the U.S. last year, adding warnings about anti-LGBTQ+ policies and stricter border scrutiny.

Tourists have reportedly been detained and deported, and the U.S. is considering expanding reviews of visitors' social media history. Policies like these have made travelers wary, with more choosing alternative destinations.

In contrast, China is gaining ground. In 2025, international visitor spending there rose 10.5% to $135 billion. The report notes that the world's second-largest tourism market is closing the gap, while the Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing globally. ...

#1 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-05-12 06:18 PM | Reply

Our Lewzer President has made us a Lewzer country around the world.

Thanks, Trumpers!

#2 | Posted by Corky at 2026-05-12 06:35 PM | Reply

Our Lewzer President has made us a Lewzer country around the world.

Thanks, Trumpers!

#2 | POSTED BY CORKY

I wonder how many of them make their money directly or indirectly from tourism?

Ah, well. No on'es coming to see the swimming pig this summer.

#3 | Posted by Zed at 2026-05-12 06:51 PM | Reply

... The anticipated hotel boom tied to the upcoming FIFA World Cup may be falling short of expectations, according to a new report.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association released a report on Monday, highlighting the challenges faced by hotels across the U.S. in the lead up to the international soccer tournament. The report said that, across host cities, hotels have not seen strong bookings and that domestic travelers are outpacing international visitors.

"Hotels across host markets have spent years preparing for the World Cup, and while there is real excitement, the data points to a more nuanced outlook," Rosanna Maietta, president & CEO of AHLA, said in a news release. "A range of factors have tempered early optimism, though forward indicators show there is still meaningful opportunity ahead."

According to AHLA, the FIFA room block cancellations, international travel barriers and rising costs have contributed to the shortcomings. ...

Kansas City had the highest number of hotel owners, roughly 85% to 90%, report below expectations, just trailing behind a typical June or July without any major events. In Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle, nearly 80% of respondents said booking pace was less than expected, with some calling the tournament a "non-event" due to FIFA room releases and weak international fan visits.

According to the report, Miami and Atlanta have reported the strongest numbers with just 50% of hotelier respondents saying the bookings are in line or ahead of expectations.
...

#4 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-05-12 07:55 PM | Reply