Published on December 8, 2025
In 2025, Las Vegas joins Miami, New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Orlando, and others in facing the steepest decline in U.S. tourism. Factors like rising costs, political concerns, and global hesitation are driving this downturn. Las Vegas, traditionally a hotspot for international visitors, has seen the largest drop in air travel, with a 9.8% decrease in June 2025 alone. Miami, heavily reliant on Canadian and Latin American tourists, faces a 10.5% decline, while New York City is expecting a 17% drop in foreign visitors. Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles are also experiencing significant losses, as political and economic factors make travel to the U.S. less appealing. Orlando’s iconic theme parks are seeing fewer international families, and Buffalo, New York, has been hit hard by reduced cross-border visits from Canada. These trends signal a broader shift in the global tourism landscape, with major U.S. cities struggling to attract international travelers in 2025.

Las Vegas: The Biggest Drop in International Visitors

Las Vegas experienced the largest international air travel decline, with a 9.8% decrease in June 2025. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the city saw 11% fewer visitors compared to the previous year. This significant drop can be attributed to a decline in Canadian tourists and increasing complaints about rising entertainment and gaming costs, often described as “nickel-and-diming.” As a popular destination for international travelers, the city’s reliance on Canadian visitors and its costly tourist experience have contributed to the sharp downturn in foreign arrivals, shaking the tourism sector.

Miami: Global Hesitation Hurts Tourism

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Miami has faced a significant slump in international air traffic, with a 10.5% year-over-year drop in May 2025 and a 4.5% decline in June. The city’s heavy reliance on Canadian and Latin American tourists has made it particularly vulnerable to global hesitations about visiting the U.S. Rising concerns about safety, political instability, and the complex entry process have led many travelers to reconsider their trips. Miami, known for its vibrant tourism industry, has been hit hard by these shifts, signaling the broader trend of uncertainty in global tourism, especially among neighboring nations and regions.

New York City: A Tourist Exodus Looms

New York City is bracing for a major dip in international tourism, with a projected 17% drop in visitors in 2025. The New York City Tourism + Conventions expects the city to receive 2 million fewer foreign tourists, marking a sharp decline. A combination of factors is fueling this drop, including anxiety among international travelers over U.S. immigration policies and political rhetoric. Additionally, the high costs associated with visiting NYC have made it less appealing. These concerns are impacting not only short-term visits but also long-term perceptions of the city as a travel destination.

Washington, D.C.: Politics Dampen Global Interest

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Washington, D.C., has seen a noticeable decline in foreign visitors, especially from Western European countries like Germany, France, and Denmark. Local tourism officials and Tourism Economics report fewer bookings for the capital, citing a shift in international perception. Historically, Washington’s political and historical significance has been a major draw for international tourists. However, changing global views and growing discomfort with U.S. political rhetoric have led to reduced interest in visiting. This shift suggests that for many travelers, political climate concerns are outweighing the appeal of Washington’s cultural and governmental landmarks.

Los Angeles: Decline in Foreign Arrivals

Los Angeles, part of California, is expected to see a 9.2% decline in international visitation for 2025, with factors like political sentiment and high travel costs contributing to the downturn. Visit California and Tourism Economics point out that international travelers are increasingly hesitant to visit major California destinations due to the country’s political climate and the escalating expenses of traveling to the U.S. High costs for accommodations, transportation, and dining, combined with an unwelcoming political atmosphere, have made the Golden State less attractive. This trend reflects broader challenges in the global tourism landscape.

Orlando: Theme Parks Feel the Global Shift

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Orlando, Florida, has experienced a 3.8% year-over-year decline in international air traffic in June 2025. The decrease in foreign visitors is largely attributed to a drop in international family travel to the city’s major theme parks, such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. With a heavy reliance on international tourists, especially families, Orlando has been affected by the global shift in travel patterns. Economic factors, changing travel preferences, and increased competition from other destinations have all played a role. This trend signals a shift in the global tourism landscape, affecting major U.S. attractions.

Buffalo: Canada’s Border Blunders Hit Tourism

Buffalo, New York, has witnessed a steep decline in tourism, particularly from Canadian visitors who traditionally cross the border for shopping and events. Local tourism officials attribute this drop to increased tariffs and a growing sense of unwelcomeness resulting from U.S. policies toward Canada. With a longstanding relationship between Buffalo and its Canadian neighbors, the recent shift has had a significant economic impact. The decline in cross-border visits has left local businesses struggling, particularly those dependent on Canadian tourists for events, shopping, and hospitality, highlighting the unintended consequences of strained political relations.

US International Tourism Decline in 2025

According to the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) and the International Trade Administration (ITA), international arrivals to the U.S. were down 2.4% through May 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, as reported in a congressional summary. Tourism Economics also forecasts a significant drop, with international inbound air bookings for 2025 expected to be 10–14% lower than last year, and Canadian air bookings falling by 35.6–43.0%. Additionally, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) highlights the broader economic impact of tourism-related spending, though it doesn’t specify declines at the city level. Meanwhile, the U.S. Travel Association (USTA) projects a 6.3% overall decrease in inbound international visits for 2025.
In 2025, Las Vegas joins Miami, New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Orlando, and others in facing the steepest decline in U.S. tourism. Factors like rising costs, political concerns, and global hesitation are driving this downturn.

Conclusion

Las Vegas joins Miami, New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Orlando, and others to face the steepest decline in U.S. tourism this year due to rising costs, political concerns, and global hesitation. Cities like Las Vegas are seeing a drop in international visitors, especially from Canada, while Miami and New York struggle with the effects of U.S. policies and high travel expenses. Los Angeles and Orlando are also feeling the impact of these shifts. This decline highlights the challenges U.S. cities face in adapting to the evolving global travel landscape in 2025.

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Tags: 2025 tourism trends, International travel, US tourism decline

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