Published on October 3, 2025
According to the most recent estimates by the U.S. Travel Association, travel in 2025 will rise moderately to major destinations in the U.S. such as New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. But although there is expected growth, it will be slower than previously experienced on the domestic travel front. Concerning the number of inbound international visitors, the outlook is also pessimistic, with a drop for visitors in particular from Canada. So, here are the implications for business and leisure visitors to the major U.S. cities.

Slower Business Travel Growth in 2025

In 2025, domestic business travel spending in the U.S. is expected to increase by just 1.4 percent over 2024, a notable drop from the growth levels seen in previous years. While group travel is projected to grow slightly faster, overall business travel in the U.S. will remain relatively subdued, particularly when compared to the thriving leisure travel market, which is forecasted to see a 1.9 percent increase.

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For those planning business trips to major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami, this slower growth may translate into less crowded venues and more affordable options compared to peak travel years. This could be a positive shift for business travellers seeking to avoid overwhelming crowds or exorbitant prices for venues and services.

Decline in Inbound International Travel

The forecast for international visitors to the U.S. is far less optimistic. Spending on inbound international travel is expected to fall by 3.2 percent in 2025, with the number of international visitors declining by 6.3 percent. This downturn is largely driven by a significant decrease in travel from Canada, although overall international travel remains flat from other regions.

For tourists looking to visit the U.S. from abroad, this decline in international visitation could result in fewer tourists in certain areas, leading to less crowded attractions and lower competition for bookings. However, travellers may also find it harder to secure visas or face longer processing times due to potential increases in visa fees or delays in the visa application process.

Rising Expectations for the Future

Despite the slow growth forecasted for 2025, U.S. Travel is optimistic about future trends. According to projections, domestic business travel will likely pick up from 2027 onward, driven by stronger business investment and improved economic conditions. The outlook for international visitors is similarly positive, with growth expected to resume by 2026, thanks in part to major global events like the FIFA 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

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For tourists looking to explore the U.S., these global events promise to bring an influx of international visitors and a boost to tourism in cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City. The travel industry anticipates that these events will help attract visitors from around the world, making the years ahead more promising for both business and leisure travellers.

The Impact on Tourism and Travel Plans

The muted growth in travel spending and international visitation is likely to have mixed consequences for tourism. On one hand, tourists will benefit from less crowded attractions in major cities as fewer business travellers flood into popular destinations. On the other hand, tourism may face challenges in the form of fewer international visitors, which could impact the vibrancy of key tourism sectors.
For those planning a trip to the U.S., the forecast presents a mixed bag of opportunities. Leisure travellers may find more affordable prices and less competition for hotels, flights, and activities, especially in cities like Miami, Chicago, and Las Vegas. However, it’s important to be aware that the availability of visas may become a potential hurdle for some international tourists, especially if visa processing times increase due to new restrictions or changes in policies.

Planning for 2026 and Beyond

Looking further ahead, the outlook for tourism in the U.S. seems more promising. As the global economy stabilises and major international events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics draw nearer, international travel to the U.S. is expected to surge. This growth will be beneficial for both business and leisure travellers, as the tourism industry will likely see a rejuvenation, particularly in cities hosting major events.

What This Means for Tourists and Travellers

Although the growth of travel to prominent U.S. locations may see a decline during the year 2025, the period following 2026 shows a great promise for tourism. Visitors to the U.S. will enjoy more reasonable travel costs, less congestion, and a more pleasant experience, especially in heavily frequented cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. However, the unrelenting complications in the global economy, especially, restrictions related to obtaining visas will continue to create obstacles. Therefore, it will be critical for global tourists to pay close attention to the changing official information related to visas.
For now, those looking to explore the U.S. will find a slightly quieter travel landscape in 2025. This could mean a more enjoyable experience for leisure travellers seeking to avoid peak season crowds, but they should remain aware of the potential for travel disruptions due to evolving international policies.

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Tags: Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York

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Friday, October 3, 2025
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