New York City Falls in Line with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Las Vegas as Tourism Collapses Under Trump Tariff Trade War and Mass Trip Cancellations – Travel And Tour World

New York City now stands shoulder to shoulder with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Las Vegas as the tourism crisis in the US spirals deeper. The Trump tariff trade war has triggered a ripple effect, and it’s no longer just policy—it’s personal. Across these cities, international travellers are cancelling U.S. trip plans in alarming numbers.

New York City is seeing bookings vanish. Las Vegas is losing its global high-rollers. Meanwhile, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington DC are bracing for an economic blow as foot traffic thins and hotel occupancy drops. The tourism crisis is no longer a forecast—it’s unfolding in real time.

Every cancellation echoes a global message: travellers are wary, and they’re walking away. What happens when New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Las Vegas all fall victim to the same crisis? The answer could reshape the future of American travel forever.

Tourism Crisis Deepens in the US as International Travelers Cancel Plans and Cities Like New York Face Economic Fallout

The United States is witnessing an unsettling shift in its role as a global tourism powerhouse. Once seen as a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide, the nation is now facing a deepening tourism crisis—driven not by economic downturn or pandemic fears, but by rising political tension, strict immigration policies, and a growing sense of unwelcome.

International spending in the US is expected to plunge by a staggering $12.5 billion in 2025. And cities like New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, and Miami are already feeling the sting. The numbers are stark, but the emotional impact behind them is even more powerful. Fear, frustration, and doubt are now guiding travel decisions—and the US is falling off itineraries for millions.

New York City Takes a Devastating Blow

New York City, long the beating heart of American tourism, is suffering a steep drop in international visitors. Officials have slashed their forecast by 17% for 2025, predicting a loss of 2 million tourists compared to the previous year.

This isn’t just a dip in foot traffic. It’s a blow to local businesses, tour operators, restaurants, and cultural attractions that rely heavily on global visitors. Although international travelers make up just 20% of total visits, they account for a massive 50% of total tourism spending in the city.

The loss is personal. It’s economic. And it’s growing.

Canadians Lead the Exodus

Canada has historically sent more tourists to the U.S. than any other nation. But that’s rapidly changing. Many Canadians, put off by the current political climate and heated cross-border rhetoric, are choosing to stay home—or travel elsewhere.

Tour operators across New York report that Canadian bookings are drying up. Families, student groups, and retirees are instead opting for destinations like Halifax, Vancouver, and Nova Scotia. The sentiment is clear: why risk border tension or offensive headlines when safer, welcoming options exist at home?

For local tour guides and small operators, the fallout is brutal. Several report losing as much as 40% of their business due to the Canadian tourism decline alone.

Travel Anxiety Spreads Worldwide

Canadians aren’t the only ones reevaluating their travel plans. Tourists from Europe, Asia, and South America are voicing serious concerns. Some worry about being denied entry. Others fear abrupt visa cancellations or confrontational customs checks. The underlying feeling is one of unpredictability.

The United States, once a symbol of opportunity and excitement, is now associated by many with scrutiny, tension, and risk. The current policies and rhetoric have created an atmosphere of suspicion—one that no airport campaign or marketing slogan can easily fix.

Tourists talk about it openly. On cruise ships, at airports, and in café conversations around the globe, they’re wondering: is America worth the trouble?

Ground-Level Impact: Jobs at Risk, Tours Cancelled

Behind every lost tourist is a local job impacted. Tour guides, small businesses, street vendors, hoteliers, and restaurant staff are all bearing the brunt. The pain isn’t theoretical—it’s being felt every single day.

In New York City, walking tour groups that used to be full now have only a handful of participants. Guides who once relied on steady international crowds are seeing their schedules collapse. The fear is that if this trend continues into 2026, the impact won’t just be financial—it could mean permanent closures and lost livelihoods.

This is not a protest against a policy. It’s a quiet economic erosion affecting the very people who make tourism in America special.

Why Tourists Are Choosing Other Destinations

Travelers still want to explore. But they’re choosing destinations that feel more open, more welcoming, and less politically charged. For Canadians, Europe offers an alternative that feels safer and more culturally aligned. For others, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and even other parts of North America are gaining ground.

Countries like Canada, Japan, and Portugal are promoting themselves as peaceful, accessible, and culturally rich alternatives. Many have enhanced digital travel tools, simplified visa processes, and embraced visitors with open arms.

These messages are landing. And they’re pulling travelers away from the U.S.

Hope on the Horizon?

While the current climate is discouraging, the future still holds promise. Global events like the 2026 World Cup, set to take place just outside New York in East Rutherford, New Jersey, could serve as a powerful incentive to draw visitors back.

Additionally, the U.S.’ 250th anniversary next year presents a unique marketing opportunity. National pride, historical tourism, and heritage trails may offer a fresh narrative for travelers seeking connection.

But until then, the travel industry is operating in survival mode. Tourism boards, airline partners, and hotel groups must adapt quickly—offering reassurance, easing entry concerns, and reinforcing America’s cultural warmth.

The Call for Change

If the U.S. wants to reclaim its place as a global travel leader, it needs more than a marketing refresh. It needs trust. And that begins with softening borders, reducing entry friction, and realigning public rhetoric with hospitality.

For millions of international travelers, the U.S. used to represent possibility. Right now, it represents risk. And in a world of endless destination choices, that perception can make all the difference.

Travel is not just about landmarks—it’s about how people feel. In 2025, too many feel unwelcome in America. Until that changes, the travel downturn will continue to grow—and the economic cost will be immense.