International travel to the United States is experiencing a significant downturn as tourists from around the world reconsider their vacation plans in response to the current political climate. Tourism Economics now forecasts a 5% decline in international visitors this year — a stark contrast to their original projection of a 9% increase — resulting in an estimated $64 billion loss for the US travel industry.
Global Travelers Changing Destinations
The impact is being felt across various markets. Canadian travelers, who represent the largest source of international tourism to the US, are projected to reduce their visits by 15% this year alone, translating to approximately $3.3 billion in lost spending. Recent statistics show a 23% drop in Canadians driving back from US visits and a 13% decrease in air travel from the US in February compared to the previous year.
“All of this talk of making Canada the 51st state has been upsetting. It’s just incredibly offensive,” said Bertha Lopez, a Mexic…
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