The U.S. Travel Association has issued a warning about the ongoing decline in international inbound travel, attributing the trend to concerns over the country’s overall welcomeness, economic slowdown, and recent safety perceptions. The organization emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, stating that "these challenges are real and demand decisive action."

To mitigate the downturn, the association is actively collaborating with the White House and Congress to promote policies aimed at economic expansion and maintaining the United States’ global competitiveness in the travel sector.

Recent aviation data from OAG underscores the severity of the issue, revealing that advance bookings between the U.S. and Canada—America’s largest source of inbound travelers—have plummeted by more than 70% for the upcoming summer travel season. This sharp decline further highlights the broader challenges facing the industry.

Additionally, Tourism Economics recently revised its U.S. inbound travel forecast, shifting from an expected growth rate of 8.8% to a projected decline of 5.1% in 2025. The firm attributes this downturn to escalating global trade tensions and warns that economic policy changes could have significant repercussions for the travel industry. The firm also estimates that inbound travel spending in 2025 could drop by 12.3%, equating to a staggering $22 billion annual loss.

The U.S. Travel Association pointed to several key factors driving the decline, including a strong U.S. dollar, prolonged visa wait times, travel restrictions, and safety concerns. The organization noted that recent sentiments among travelers regarding safety perceptions have contributed to hesitancy in choosing the U.S. as a destination.

Despite these challenges, the travel industry remains a vital economic pillar, having contributed $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2024 while supporting 15 million jobs nationwide. The U.S. Travel Association reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policy solutions that will ensure the country remains a top destination for international travelers.

"By working together with policymakers, we can reinforce travel’s role as a cornerstone of the U.S. economy," the association stated, emphasizing the need for immediate and coordinated efforts to reverse the downward trend in inbound tourism.