The number of foreign tourists visiting the United States has seen a sharp decline amid the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to The Washington Post, international tourist arrivals in March dropped by nearly 12% compared to the same period last year, marking the first significant decrease since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decline has been particularly noticeable among German tourists, whose numbers fell by 28%. Visitor numbers from Western Europe dropped by 17%, from Central America by 24%, and from China by 11%.
Experts attribute the drop to growing concerns over stricter border controls. Reports indicate that several foreign tourists were detained upon entry into the U.S., despite having all the necessary documentation, with some spending days or even weeks in detention centers.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to ease public concerns, stating that “those who are not involved in pro-Hamas demonstrations and do not plan to cause unrest have nothing to fear.” Nevertheless, anxiety among potential travelers remains high.
Tourism expert Adam Sacks noted that the decline was predictable. He believes that the rhetoric and strict immigration policies of the Trump administration are significantly deterring international visitors. Final figures have yet to be released, with data from Mexico and Canada—historically the top sources of foreign tourists—still pending.
