International tourists are boycotting the US due to tensions tied to trade, immigration, and territory, significantly impacting local businesses that rely on foreign visitors. Cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, and Las Vegas are among the hardest hit.


*Key Statistics:*


- *Decline in International Visits*: International visits to the US fell 12% year-over-year in March, according to Oxford Economics.

- *Loss in Tourism Revenue*: The loss in international tourism is expected to cost the US economy $10 billion this year compared to 2024, with some estimates as high as $21 billion.

- *Canadian Visitor Decline*: Air and land arrivals from Canadians fell 14% and 32%, respectively, in March compared to the same time in 2024.

- *Business Profits*: Small and mid-sized business profits have "deteriorated sharply" amid the travel slowdown, with the share of profitable tourism companies falling to 32% in April 2025.


*Reasons Behind the Decline:*


- *Trade Tensions*: The US's "America First" stance and tariffs have contributed to a decline in international travel.

- *Immigration Policy*: Growing concerns tied to US immigration policy have created a perception that more people are being detained, devices searched, and legal travelers deported.

- *Travel Advisories*: Several European nations and China have issued US travel advisories, citing reasons like heightened border security and potential issues around travel documents.


*Impact on Local Economies:*


- *Community Impact*: Less foreign travel will have a disproportionate impact on areas that rely heavily on tourism, such as Las Vegas and Honolulu.

- *Local Business Struggles*: Businesses like Adrift Restaurant in Anacortes, Washington, have seen monthly sales fall 4% relative to last year, forcing them to cut buying and impacting local suppliers ¹.