International Travel to the United States is Trending Down
- Based on preliminary data from the Department of Commerce, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and outside organizations, international visits to the United States fell approximately 14% in March 2025 compared to the same period last year.
The decline is most notable in:
- Canada: 26% annual decline in overnight land trips in March and air travel down 14% YoY (StatsCan).
- Western Europe: 17% decline in visits for March of 2025 is the first decline since 2021 (Department of Commerce).
- Asia: A second consecutive month of declines in visits from a region still 25% below 2019 levels (Department of Commerce).
- South America: 10% decrease in visits in March after a flat February (Department of Commerce).
These are historically our highest-value inbound travel markets. Florida was the top destination for international visitors in March (Department of Commerce).
The Economic Cost
- Every 1% drop in international visitor spending = $1.8 billion lost in export revenue annually. If this 14% decline were to hold through 2025, the U.S. stands to lose $21 billion in travel-related exports.
Domestic Travel: Stable but Starting to Cool
Compared to international travel, domestic travel has held relatively steady so far in 2025—but early signs suggest this momentum may not last.
Key Domestic Indicators:
- Air Travel: Flat YoY in March after tracking up slightly in January and February. Down 1.7% in first half of April based on TSA Checkpoint inspections (TSA)
- Hotels: Occupancy & revenue within ±1% of 2024 levels (STR)
- Consumer Spending: Still growing, though sentiment cooling (Commerce Dept)
- Inflation: Minimal price movement in travel sectors despite fears (CPI/TPI)
- Jobs: Unemployment steady at 4.2%, jobs added in March (BLS)
American Travel Sentiment Holding Strong: Recent surveys of Americans show high interest and prioritization of travel despite economic anxiety:
- 94% of American travelers have trips planned within the next 6 months, a significant uptick versus both prior months and the year prior (Longwoods).
- Survey results from Future Partners show for both February and March, excitement for leisure travel was rated 8.2 out of 10, similarly high as last year.
Takeaway: A Growing Travel Trade Deficit
The U.S. is now running an annual $50 billion travel trade deficit—a sharp reversal from our historical surplus in travel exports.
That means the U.S. sends more travelers (and dollars) overseas than come in.
Equipping Members with Accurate Information for Global Travelers and Stakeholders
As we work to grow international inbound travel, we recognize the perception of entering the U.S. may give some travelers pause. To help our members address this, we’ve collaborated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to provide accurate information you can share with international visitors, media and buyers your organization engages with.
Our U.S. Entry Guide on International Inbound Travel is designed specifically for our members to strengthen your efforts in welcoming the world to the United States. Please utilize this guidance across your websites, communications and other materials. We hope this member resource supports your efforts by offering clear, proactive guidance to help inform and equip your international stakeholders.