While global tourism hits record highs in 2025, the U.S. faces an unexpected paradox: International visitor numbers keep dropping faster than a TikTok trend losing steam 📉. Cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas report dwindling crowds despite worldwide travel rebounding to pre-pandemic levels.
Why the drop? Analysts point to a perfect storm:
🔥 Rising visa costs including a new $250 'integrity fee'
🗣️ Political tensions affecting America's global image
💸 High tariffs making U.S. trips more expensive
Travel industry expert Maria Chen tells NewspaperAmigo.com: "It's like the U.S. accidentally put up a 'Not Welcome' sign while the world reopened its doors."
Global context: While Paris and Tokyo celebrate tourism booms, U.S. hotel occupancy rates remain 18% below 2024 levels. The trend raises concerns about impacts on service jobs and cultural exchange as we approach 2026.
