New York City is bracing for a substantial decline in international tourism in 2025, with projections indicating a loss of approximately 2 million foreign visitors.

This anticipated downturn is largely attributed to policies enacted by President Donald Trump’s administration, including stringent immigration measures and aggressive trade tariffs.

Revised Tourism Forecast Reflects Global Sentiment

City officials revised their December forecast, which estimated 14.6 million foreign tourists would visit in 2025, down to 12.1 million, according to a report released by New York City Tourism and Conventions, the city’s tourism agency. Including both domestic and foreign visitors, the city expects to see 3.5 million fewer in total compared to the 67.7 million it previously predicted.

This downturn is expected to result in a $4 billion reduction in tourist spending, impacting key attractions such as the Empire State Building and various sightseeing services.

“We are in uncertain times and there are more questions than answers,” Julie Coker, the agency’s CEO said, emphasizing that “New York City is still the most welcoming, inclusive and diverse city in the world.”

Canadian Tourism Takes a Hit

A significant portion of this decline is due to a sharp drop in Canadian tourists, traditionally a reliable source of international visitors for New York City. Air Canada has reported a 10% decrease in bookings for U.S. destinations, influenced by strained U.S.-Canada relations stemming from President Trump’s policies and rhetoric.

Broader Impact on the U.S. Tourism Industry

This isn’t just a New York issue. The United States, as a whole, is projected to see a $12.5 billion decline in international travel spending in 2025, marking a 7% decrease from the previous year. The World Travel and Tourism Council attributes this to both the strong dollar and the current political climate.

Economic Concerns and Political Reactions

Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) has expressed concern over the economic impact of declining international tourism, particularly in states heavily reliant on the industry. She attributes the downturn to the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement and rising tariffs, which have prompted other nations to issue travel advisories.

Despite these challenges, some Republican lawmakers remain unconcerned, citing stable domestic travel figures. However, the significant drop in international visitors underscores the potential long-term economic consequences of current U.S. policies on the tourism sector.

Trump was quizzed about how his policies were impacting international tourism figures at the end of last month, when he downplayed the situation.

“There is a little nationalism there, I guess, perhaps,” he said in the Oval Office.

“It’s not a big deal.”

Looking Ahead

As New York City and the broader U.S. tourism industry navigate these challenges, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation. The hope is that future policy adjustments and improved international relations may help reverse the current downward trend in tourism.