The United States is projected to see a significant rise in international visitors in 2025, with an estimated 77.1 million travelers expected to arrive, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). This marks a 6.5% increase from the previous year, signaling a steady recovery for the tourism sector. Although the figure remains below pre-pandemic levels, the upward trend suggests a promising future, with an estimated 90.1 million visitors anticipated by 2027.

Steady Growth in Tourism

The NTTO released its latest data on March 10, providing a detailed analysis of international travel trends from 2019 through projections extending to 2029. The forecast indicates that an additional 4.7 million travelers will visit the U.S. in 2025 compared to 2024, demonstrating sustained growth in the tourism industry.

Major global events are expected to further drive tourism numbers. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, along with the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, are anticipated to boost international arrivals significantly. If the 90.1 million visitor target for 2027 is met, these tourists could contribute approximately $279 billion to the U.S. economy.

Pandemic Recovery and Emerging Markets

International visitation to the U.S. grew by 9.1% from 2023 to 2024, reaching 72.4 million travelers. While the country has yet to return to its pre-pandemic peak of 79.4 million annual visitors, the consistent upward trend highlights ongoing recovery efforts. Compared to Europe and other global regions, the U.S. has experienced a slower rebound from the pandemic’s impact on international travel.

Certain source markets have shown remarkable growth, with India and Italy leading the way. Indian visitation to the U.S. has surged by an astonishing 552% since 2020, and Italian visitor numbers are expected to increase by 7.5% this year. Additionally, strong growth is forecasted for travelers from Mexico, Brazil, and Canada.

Potential Challenges

Despite the optimistic outlook, some factors could impact visitor numbers. The U.S. Travel Association has raised concerns over ongoing trade disputes with Canada, which have led to new tariffs and retaliatory measures, including calls to boycott American tourism. These tensions could result in a decline in Canadian visitors, one of the largest international markets for U.S. tourism.

Overall, while challenges remain, the positive trajectory of international travel to the U.S. reflects resilience in the tourism sector. With major events on the horizon and key markets showing growth, the country is well-positioned to continue attracting millions of visitors in the coming years.