Published on December 30, 2025
Nevada joins Washington, New York, Florida, California, Michigan, and other states in facing a significant decline in tourist arrivals from Canada, France, Germany, and more, with cities like Las Vegas, Seattle, New York, and Miami bearing the brunt. Factors like rising travel costs, visa restrictions, and global shifts are driving the downturn in international tourism. As the year draws to a close, the ripple effect of these challenges is being felt across major U.S. destinations, especially those that have historically relied on international visitors. The decline in tourist arrivals is not only impacting iconic cities but also affecting local economies, with industries such as hospitality, retail, and entertainment seeing a reduction in revenue. With travel patterns shifting and global uncertainties increasing, these cities face an uphill battle to recover from the downturn in tourism.

Decline in International Visitation by Country of Origin

International visitation has experienced uneven declines, with notable losses from traditional top markets, though some regions have shown growth. Canada is the largest contributor to the overall drop, with a 23.7% decline, especially in land travel, which plummeted by 28%. Western Europe also saw a 17% decline in early 2025, marking the first dip since 2021. Asia remained around 25% below 2019 levels, with South Korea facing a steep 11.2% drop. Conversely, growth markets like China, Taiwan, and Japan demonstrated recovery, with increases of 2.6%, 8.0%, and 3.9%, respectively. Mexico emerged as a bright spot with a 13.9% growth, while South America saw a slight overall decrease, although Argentina grew by 22.8%.

Nevada’s Tourist Decline

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Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, is projected to experience a 10.2% decline in international tourism in 2025. The rising cost of airfare, combined with increasing competition from global destinations and visa challenges, is affecting the state’s tourism. As a result, Nevada’s famous attractions, including the Las Vegas Strip, are seeing a decrease in international arrivals, reflecting the growing difficulty in attracting overseas visitors.

Washington’s Sharp Decline

Seattle is set to experience the largest decline in U.S. tourism, with a 26.9% drop in 2025. This significant downturn is almost entirely due to a collapse in Canadian travel, driven by geopolitical tensions and local policy changes. As a border city, Seattle has long benefited from Canadian visitors, but these disruptions have severely impacted its tourism sector. The city’s steep decline underscores the risks faced by destinations heavily reliant on specific international markets.

Oregon Faces Hard Times

Portland is forecasted to see an 18.3% decrease in international visitation in 2025. While the drop is driven by reduced Canadian travel, the city’s tourism struggles are also compounded by concerns over its national image and the lingering effects of pandemic-era disruptions. Once a vibrant international destination, Portland’s tourism appeal has significantly weakened, and it is among the most impacted U.S. cities.

Michigan’s Struggles

Detroit is projected to face a 17.3% drop in international visitation in 2025, largely due to its proximity to Canada and a reduction in land border crossings. Additional factors, such as higher visa fees and shifting global travel habits, have further contributed to the slump. These combined challenges highlight the broader issues affecting U.S. cities that rely on neighboring international markets and changing global conditions.

New York’s Tourist Drop

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New York is forecasted to see a 12% decline in international visitors in 2025, equating to approximately 2 million fewer tourists. The city’s dip is attributed to high travel costs, visa restrictions, and growing political uncertainty. Despite being the U.S.’s top tourist destination, these factors are making it harder for international travelers to visit, leading to a significant reduction in visitation.

California’s Tourist Decline

San Francisco and Los Angeles are projected to experience a 9.4% decline in international tourism in 2025. The high cost of airfare, along with increasing competition from other global destinations and visa challenges, is affecting these major Californian cities. As a result, California’s popular tourist hubs are seeing a drop in international arrivals, reflecting the growing challenges in attracting overseas visitors.

Florida’s Slowdown

Miami and Orlando are expected to see a 5% decrease in international visitation in 2025. While Florida remains a popular destination, factors like reduced airport capacity and a slowdown in long-haul international family travel are contributing to the decline. Despite the overall popularity of Florida, these challenges are expected to slightly impact tourism in these iconic cities.

National Inbound Volume: Projected Decline in 2025

The national inbound volume of international visits to the U.S. is expected to decline in 2025, with visitation dropping from 72.4 million in 2024 to 67.9 million. This represents a decrease of approximately 6.2%. Several factors contribute to this forecasted decline, including rising travel costs, visa restrictions, and shifting global travel trends. Political uncertainty and changes in global geopolitical dynamics also play a role in deterring international travelers. As a result, U.S. tourism is facing challenges in attracting visitors, especially from key markets. This reduction in inbound travel is expected to impact the broader tourism economy, including hotel stays, retail spending, and other tourism-related services.
Nevada joins Washington, New York, Florida, California, Michigan, and other states in facing a significant decline in tourist arrivals from Canada, France, Germany, and more, with cities like Las Vegas, Seattle, New York, and Miami bearing the brunt. Factors like rising travel costs, visa restrictions, and global shifts are driving the downturn in international tourism.

Conclusion

Nevada has now joined Washington, New York, Florida, California, Michigan, and other key states in experiencing a significant decline in tourist arrivals from countries like Canada, France, Germany, and others. This decline is notably affecting popular cities such as Las Vegas, Seattle, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Detroit, all of which have long been major hubs for international visitors. The downturn in tourism is driven by a mix of factors, including higher travel costs, visa challenges, and shifting global travel dynamics. As the year ends, these challenges underscore the broader difficulties faced by U.S. cities that rely heavily on international tourism, highlighting the need for adaptation to changing global conditions.

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Tags: International tourism, tourism decline, Travel Challenges, US cities

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Tuesday, December 30, 2025
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