Tourists Bypass U.S. Plans as Trump Stirs Alliances With Policies and Tariffs
President Donald Trump Some international travelers have decided to cancel their visits to the U.S. due to the country's policies and statements.
International travel is expected to dip by 5 percent this year as Trump’s trade policies, suggested approach to Russia's conflict in Ukraine , and threats aimed at engulfing both Canada and Greenland entering the U.S. has escalated tensions overseas.
Alongside expectations of a decline in domestic travel expenditures, these elements might lead to an estimated $64 billion loss for the U.S. travel sector in 2025, as projected by tourism research company Tourism Economics.
According to a report released at the end of last month, Tourism Economics forecasted that "domestic tourism may suffer due to reduced income growth and increased costs," whereas inbound international travel to the U.S. would face challenges from "weaker global economies, an appreciating American currency, and negative sentiments toward the country."
In comparison to February of last year, travel to the U.S. from abroad decreased by 2% in the previous month. preliminary U.S. government data shows.
Trump has demanded that Canada become its “51st state” And has enforced taxes on the nation.
“Now is also the opportunity to opt for Canada,” stated former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a speech in February after Trump’s initial comments. tariffs It could involve altering your summertime travel arrangements to remain within Canada and discover the numerous national and provincial parks, historic locations, and popular attractions that our wonderful nation provides.
Some people from north of the border seem to be embracing his suggestion.
Canadian travelers, who are typically the most frequent international visitors to the U.S., have ceased visiting en masse. In last month’s statistics, vehicular trips from Canada to the U.S. dropped by 23 percent when compared to February 2024. Statistics Canada The data indicates this trend. Likewise, automobile travel from the U.S. to Canada dropped by 7.9 percent compared to the previous year.
Bertha Lopez, a 54-year-old resident living close to Toronto, shared with the media: Washington Post She would often drive over the U.S. border to purchase essential groceries, but this practice has abruptly stopped due to Trump’s latest comments.
Lopez called off her journey to Arizona to see her friend's ill spouse and has decided to purchase a ticket for her friend so she can travel to Canada instead.
All this discussion about turning Canada into the 51st state has been distressing. It feels extremely insulting," she stated. "Therefore, I'm taking action: No more Tide products, no more Coca-Cola, and no more visits toDisney attractions. Unless it's for a funeral or someone is hospitalized, I won’t be traveling to the United States.
Trump has also there were fresh appeals from his initial tenure, stating he desires for the U.S. to acquire Greenland. , an autonomous territory of Denmark. Both the Danish government and the Greenlandic government have stated that The territory is not available for purchase. .
Total travel from Western Europe decreased by 1 percent in February compared to the previous year, whereas travel originating from Denmark dropped by 6 percent in February compared to the same period in 2024, as reported by U.S. government statistics.
Tourism from Western Europe, accounting for 37% of all international visits to the U.S. last year, could decrease due to tariffs and because the current administration has been seen as aligning more closely with Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine, thus harming America’s image," cautions the February report by Tourism Economics.
Last week, Trump made threats. 200 percent tariff Regarding alcoholic drinks brought in from the European Union, which he described as "one of the most hostile and punitive tax-imposing bodies globally."
Jens Mueller, aged 31, along with his father, had planned to journey from Germany to Seattle during the summertime with the aim of embarking on a road trip to visit several national parks located in the western part of the United States.
Trump’s recent remarks about the E.U. — on top of his Job reductions at the National Park Service along with funding decreases for other agencies managing public lands. — led Muellers to change direction and make their way to Canada, he mentioned Post This journey was set to be his fifth visit to the United States.
It’s truly disheartening to witness the current state of our national parks and their staff," he stated. "We have no plans to return to the U.S. until substantial improvements are made.
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