International Tourism to the US Declines as Global Travel Surges

International tourism to the United States declined in 2025 even as global travel demand continued to rise, highlighting a growing divergence between the US and other major destinations. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, inbound international arrivals to the United States fell by 6% last year, at a time when worldwide tourism activity and spending were expanding.

Globally, travel spending increased by more than 6% in 2025, driven by strong demand in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Destinations such as France and Spain continued to outperform, reinforcing their positions as the world’s most visited countries. France welcomed an estimated 105 million international visitors during the year, while Spain recorded around 96 million, benefiting from robust leisure demand, improved connectivity, and streamlined entry processes.

In contrast, the US struggled to regain its pre-pandemic momentum as an international destination. Industry analysts point to a combination of factors weighing on inbound travel, including lengthy visa processing times, higher travel costs, and strong competition from destinations perceived as more accessible. While domestic travel in the US remained resilient, international visitors proved more sensitive to price pressures and administrative barriers.

Air connectivity has also played a role. Although transatlantic capacity has largely recovered, growth in long-haul services from Asia and parts of Africa has lagged behind other regions. Limited seat availability and higher airfares have made the US a less competitive option compared with European destinations that have expanded routes and benefited from aggressive airline capacity growth.

The WTTC notes that international visitors typically spend more per trip than domestic travelers, making the decline particularly significant for the US economy. Sectors such as hotels, retail, attractions, and long-haul airlines are more exposed to fluctuations in overseas demand. Several major gateway cities have already reported slower growth in visitor spending despite healthy global tourism trends.

Meanwhile, European destinations have capitalized on pent-up demand and favorable exchange rates, attracting travelers from North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Investments in tourism infrastructure, digital border systems, and destination marketing have further strengthened their appeal in a highly competitive global market.

Looking ahead, tourism leaders warn that without targeted policy adjustments, the US risks falling further behind. Measures such as easing visa backlogs, improving airport processing, and expanding international air links are seen as critical to reversing the trend. As global travel continues to grow, the gap between the US and its international peers underscores how policy and accessibility increasingly shape tourism performance in the post-pandemic era.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com