“Europe Turns Its Back on America”: US Tourism Industry Hit Hard as Boycott Becomes Real and Profits Start to Collapse
by pilldickle2048
“Europe Turns Its Back on America”: US Tourism Industry Hit Hard as Boycott Becomes Real and Profits Start to Collapse
by pilldickle2048
50 comments
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has sparked significant diplomatic and social reactions, notably affecting one of the United States’ economic pillars: tourism. Increasing numbers of Europeans are choosing to avoid American destinations, signaling a silent yet profound rejection of the current administration. This trend not only impacts travel but also raises questions about international relations and the U.S.’s image abroad. As we delve deeper into this phenomenon, we’ll explore the data, the voices of travel industry leaders, and the potential long-term effects on the U.S. economy.
The Decline in Tourism: 17% Fewer European Visitors in March
The statistics are undeniable. In March 2025, the number of tourists from Western Europe who spent at least one night in the U.S. dropped by 17% compared to the same period in 2024, according to the International Trade Administration (ITA). This decline is particularly concerning as the tourism industry contributes approximately 2.5% to the U.S. GDP. The decrease isn’t limited to Europeans; overall, the total number of foreign visitors to the United States fell by 12% in March, marking the largest decline since the post-pandemic period of 2021.
This troubling downturn indicates a shift in global travel preferences and reflects broader economic implications. As fewer international tourists visit the U.S., the ripple effects touch various sectors, from hospitality to retail, potentially stifling growth in these areas. The contraction in tourist numbers underscores the challenges the U.S. faces in maintaining its position as a top global destination in an era of shifting geopolitical landscapes.
European Tour Operators Sound the Alarm
French hotel group Accor, with a significant presence in the United States, reported a 25% drop in summer bookings from Europe. This alarming trend is echoed by Voyageurs du Monde, which also observed a 20% decrease in bookings since Trump’s inauguration. Many travel agencies, particularly in Spain, are witnessing a declining interest in U.S. destinations, with travelers opting instead for countries like Canada, Egypt, or various Latin American destinations.
These shifts in travel patterns reveal a growing disinterest in U.S. tourism among Europeans, reflecting a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction. Travel industry leaders are voicing concerns, urging for a reassessment of policies that may be contributing to this downturn. The shift in European travel preferences highlights the importance of addressing international perceptions and rebuilding confidence in the U.S. as a welcoming and diverse destination.
A Direct Reaction to Trump’s Policies
The primary cause of this declining interest in U.S. travel? President Trump’s policies, perceived as hostile by many European citizens. The tense geopolitical climate between Washington and Brussels, concerns over the treatment of foreigners, and a general perception of America as an unwelcoming territory under the new administration are significant contributing factors. As Accor’s director explains, this trend likely stems from “anxiety about entering an unpredictable territory.”
The impact of these policies extends beyond immediate travel choices, influencing long-term perceptions and relations between nations. The current administration’s approach has sparked debates about global cooperation and the importance of fostering positive diplomatic ties. This sentiment is not just about travel; it is a reflection of broader geopolitical tensions that are shaping the future of international relations.
A Sector in Distress
In response to this situation, forecasts for the American tourism industry have been adjusted downward. Tourism Economics, which had initially predicted a 5% decline for 2025, now estimates a 9.4% drop. This abrupt shift raises questions about the United States’ ability to sustain its international appeal amid such a polarized political climate. The silent yet effective boycott taking root in Europe, though less visible than a commercial embargo, could nonetheless weigh heavily on a key industry for the country.
Tourism, often a mirror of geopolitical tensions, is becoming a political expression tool for citizens. As the industry grapples with these challenges, stakeholders must consider innovative strategies to rejuvenate interest and restore international trust. The sector’s recovery will depend on addressing the underlying causes of this decline and actively working to rebuild the United States’ reputation on the global stage.
As the United States navigates this challenging period, the implications for the tourism sector and the broader economy remain significant. The current trends underscore the interconnectedness of politics and travel, highlighting the need for careful consideration of international relations. Will the U.S. be able to reclaim its status as a top international destination, or will these political dynamics continue to shape its tourism landscape for years to come?
I just don’t want to travel to the US. And luckily it’s not compulsory. Voting with your wallet is a very democratic thing, isn’t it?
Hey Europeans
Come visit Australia. People are friendly, food is great, wine and beer is awesome. Scenery is spectacular.
Cute wild animals such as Koalas, quokkas wombats, baby emus, little kangaroos, kookaburras, galahs, etc
Swim with dolphins, whale sharks, reef fish.
Observe animals in the wild that can kill you I.e. snakes, spiders, crocodiles, sharks, jellyfish, dingos, mummy emus, red kangaroos.
Had to go to LA last week for business. Was shocked by how empty the airport was, no lines, just zipped through everything.
Stop calling it a boycott… it’s just not safe to cross the border to the USA right now
I feel sorry for everyone in the tourism industry. But this is what happens when you elect utter twats.
It’s the trump’s choice. Well done Donald, you are a great businessman…
Good, keep it up. I won’t even travel to or spend money with companies based in red states. Fuck em all.
America should turn around and face him
I’ll go there when the Maga movement is gone.
I read that Las Vegas isnt doing very well. Maybe when a few of them multibillion dollar resorts miss payments & close, Nevada will twist some arms.
Going to the US for business or tourism, is a HIGH RISK activity, that just isn’t worth the risk anymore. I sold my condo in Florida for a loss (but worth it), and will never again spend one dime in the USA, until sanity returns to that country.
And America stuck a knife in it.
I was planning a trip to the US but decided to avoid since Trump lost his mind. The news about deportations without trials were also concerning. Also, since the tariffs shitshow I started to boycott products from u.s.a. Corporations. Just yesterday I was a click away from buying a kitchen aid mixer, the I checked and it’s controlled by whirlpool wich is U.s.a. based and i desisted.
The only voice they’ll listen is the economic one.
Europe didn’t turn its back on the US, the US turned its back on the world.
My American dollars will be spent in Italy in October.
Trying to enter the US, even with all of your paperwork being in order, sounds about as pleasant or straightforward as trying to enter East Germany or the Soviet Union in the 70s and 80s.
I’ll pass.
Can we stop calling it a boycott please? USA just arrested and placed two Danish girls in jail for three days instead of just denying entry. It’s super unsettling to hear what is happening right now.
It’s not just a boycott. It’s fear.
they didn’t stop coming as some sort of protest against Trump it was the stories of europeans being treated like criminals.
Now in a lot of those stories people were working or told the actual border guard that they were going to work while there which is stupid. At the same time if I was going I would be buying another phone.
I don’t think it’s a boycott, more like a worry about traveling there and ending up in detention or El Salvador
My former sister-in-law (who I am still close to and consider a sister) has dual citizenship in the US and Netherlands. She is scared to go visit her parents because she has an olive skin tone, is part of the LGBT community, and also because she’s worried that holding Dutch citizenship would give her trouble. She is a US citizen by birth and a military veteran and is still scared to visit. That says a lot about the current mood on the US.
Although I appreciate the sentiment, this article is very low quality clickbait and does not really inform on hard facts. Pretty sure it’s made by AI entirely.
Why word things this way? Do you have no appreciation for the subtleties of language or are you hoping to trigger people? Europe is spooked by Trump’s America and prefers steering clear from a crazy administration busy setting up deportation camps without due process, weaponizing the law for vendetta work, encouraging european extreme right parties and endorsing autocrats over historical allies. We aren’t turning our back, we are freaked out!
Guys if this is winning I’m tired of winning.
And yet Disney is still packed to capacity with 2+ hour lines.
Why would anyone go to Trumpland if they dont need to?
Trump will probably demand a few hundred dollar from every person who does not visit the usa next month or so.
Thanks dementia donny.
I got some insane offers from some carriers, 450 euro return flight to New York, always wanted to go. But a man is nothing without principles.
As a Canadian – thank you for joining us in the boycott! The more, the better…
Yeah I don’t want to spend my vacation in a detention center
It’s not even a boycott, it’s literally unsafe to go there. It already was and it’s even less safe now that the government is picking people off the streets
Exactly the same sentiment in Australia, now the USA want to hit our film making industry, ironically fund by Hollywood, that’s shooting yourself in the foot.
It’s going to be fun in June when all these football (soccer for US) fans come over for the FIFA Club WC.
Many of them have tattoos and an attitude, and are thirsty before and after a game.
Unless of course… they don’t come.
Travelling to North Korea is literally more safe than trvyto the US. And in this case literally means literally
DID YOU KNOW…
Where the word “Boycott” comes from? Well, I’ll tell you!
I live near Ballinrobe, which is a small town in the West of Ireland. In the 1880’s, after the famine, there was a real piece of work Land agent called Captain Charles Cunningham Boycott, an English land agent in Ireland during the 1880s. He was the target of social and economic isolation by the local community due to his harsh land policies, leading to the use of his name to describe the act of collectively refusing to deal with someone. I live just around the corner from where the “Big House”, Lough Mask House, was the scene of the world’s first “Boycott”.
Every day is a schoolday!.
You’re welcome!
At the moment it’s just not safe. A personal conviction is one thing but this is directly a safety issue.
https://www.newsweek.com/border-patrol-checking-phones-social-media-messages-us-immigration-2048147
Would this apply to simple tourists as well? I mean, If so, then fuck no!
I live two hours away from the Canada/US border. Used to go from Toronto to Western New York all the time for day trips. Would go deeper into the US for golf. Those days are long over and for good. The fact that 77 million people thought that it would be a good idea to again have Trump as president and another 90 million sat out the election said all I needed to know about that country. I’ve travelled to Finland, Sweden and the former Czechoslovakia. Can’t recommend those countries enough. I’ve also seen much of Canada but there’s still so much more to see here.
> RudeBaguette
What a name – love it
The title should be “America turns it’s Back on Europe, and feels consequences”
I’d say a more accurate way of putting it is we turned our back on Europe and they’re responding in kind. Why wouldn’t tell us to fuck the fuck off? The current administration has done nothing but talk shit about them and back out of/question agreements from the start.
Wait a couple years, deals will be better, hopefully sane people will be back in charge, and things will chill out. America will be begging for tourists back. Vegas is already feeling the pain and it’ll take a while to recoup if they survive the next 3 1/2 years. Bailouts won’t help us this time because it’s going to affect everything.
We had 10,000 less people at jazzfest this year in New Orleans. I’m almost certain it was due to a lack of foreigners willing to book a vacation here. Usually there are all kinds of people and many Europeans.
„Why don’t they want to visit us just because we throw them into literal deathcamps without any process?“
As a Greek American it amazes me that anyone in Europe would choose to visit the US for vacation when you have the best vacation spots in the world in your own backyard.
Who in their right mind wants to play russian rullett with US visir whrre you get sent to a cell for undefinite time (losing your job) or end up in el salvador with no contact to anybody.
I’m American. You guys and the rest of the world needs to keep this up.
But I will tell you that there are some stupid people here who actually think that we don’t need your tourism dollars. I live in Michigan and Maga morons are responding to Canadian boycotts by whining that ‘Good! We don’t need them!’ and ‘Who cares,less freeway traffic is good.’.
Yes they are this stupid. Actively celebrating completely self inflicted damage to our economy.
We are well and truly fucked.
I wouldn’t call threats of deportation boycott. No one wants to spend their holiday in jail. Get your shit together and get rid of that orange guy and tourism will flourish again.
Comments are closed.