Published on
September 14, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
US Canada and Norway Lose Tourists in Shocking Decline Due to American Prez Donald Trump Policies While China Qatar and Philippines Dominate the Tourism Market New Ways are HereUS, Canada, and Norway have seen a shocking decline in tourism, largely due to policies introduced during Donald Trump’s presidency. Stricter visa regulations, increased tariffs, and a less welcoming atmosphere for international visitors have all played a part in this downturn. As a result, these countries are experiencing significant drops in foreign tourist arrivals.
Meanwhile, China, Qatar, and the Philippines are thriving. These nations have embraced more open travel policies, attracting tourists from around the world. With easier access and welcoming environments, they are now leading the global tourism market.
The contrast between these two groups of countries is clear, with US, Canada, and Norway struggling, while China, Qatar, and the Philippines dominate. This shift highlights how international travel preferences are evolving in response to the changing political landscape.
In the past few years, U.S. travel policies have undergone significant changes, reshaping tourism flows around the world. These changes have had a considerable impact on how people travel, where they go, and which countries are seeing an increase in visitors and which are losing them. This article explores how these shifts are playing out across different countries, who is benefitting, and who is facing declines.
Changes in U.S. Travel Policies and Their Impact on Global Tourism
In recent years, the United States has changed its travel policies, making it harder for some people to visit the country. These changes have affected both U.S. tourism and how other countries are seen as travel destinations. In particular, tighter visa requirements, increased tariffs, and tougher border controls have made it less attractive for some international visitors to come to the U.S.
At the same time, these changes have created new opportunities for other countries. Some places are seeing a boom in tourism as travelers look for new destinations that are easier to reach or more affordable than the U.S.
Countries That Are Profiting from the Shifts in U.S. Travel Policy1. China: A New Era of Visa-Free Access
China has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the changing U.S. travel policies. In July 2025, China expanded its visa-free access to citizens from 75 countries. This move made it easier for people from many European and Asian countries to visit China without having to worry about visa processing times.
This change has led to a significant increase in international tourists. In 2024, over 20 million visitors came to China under this new visa policy, which was double the number of visitors from the previous year. China has become more accessible to global travelers, and this is expected to continue in the future as the country works to attract more tourists from around the world.
2. Qatar: A Growing Hub for Global Tourism
Qatar has also seen a boost in tourism due to changes in global travel dynamics. The country introduced visa-free entry for nationals from 88 countries, which made it easier for tourists to visit. As a result, Qatar has become a growing hub for global tourism, with the number of international visitors rising steadily.
In the first half of 2022, Qatar welcomed over 729,000 international visitors. This marked a 19% increase compared to the previous year, and Qatar is positioning itself as a key destination for global travelers. With its new visa policies and high-end tourism infrastructure, Qatar is now attracting more visitors than ever before.
3. Philippines: Welcoming Indian Tourists with Open Arms
The Philippines has introduced a new visa-free policy for Indian nationals starting from June 2025. This policy has opened the door for more Indian tourists to visit the country without the need for a visa. India is one of the fastest-growing tourist markets, and the Philippines is capitalising on this by making travel easier for Indian citizens.
By 2024, tourist arrivals from India had increased by 12%, with nearly 80,000 Indian nationals visiting the Philippines. This move is expected to further boost tourism to the country, especially as more Indian travelers seek out destinations in Southeast Asia.
Countries Facing Declines in Tourism Due to U.S. Policy Changes
While some countries are thriving, others are experiencing a decline in tourism, particularly from U.S. visitors. The changes in U.S. policies have contributed to these shifts.
1. The United States: Declining International Visitors
The United States, once the world’s top tourist destination, is seeing a decline in the number of international visitors. U.S. policies, such as stricter visa requirements and increased tariffs, have made it harder for foreign tourists to travel to the country. This has led to a decrease in the number of visitors and the amount of money they spend.
In 2025, foreign visitor arrivals in the U.S. are expected to decline by 5.1%, and tourism spending is projected to fall by 10.9%. The tougher visa policies and tariffs have made the U.S. a less attractive destination for many international travelers, and it is likely that this trend will continue unless changes are made to ease the travel process.
2. Canada: Declining Travel to the U.S.
As U.S. policies have become more restrictive, Canadians have been rethinking their trips to the U.S. In 2025, the number of people crossing the U.S.-Canada border has decreased by more than 23%. Many Canadians are choosing to travel to other destinations instead of visiting the United States.
Flight bookings from Canada to the U.S. have also fallen significantly, with some routes experiencing a decrease of 71–76% in March 2025. As a result, countries that are easier to visit, with more relaxed entry policies, are becoming more attractive to Canadian travelers.
3. European Union: Fewer Tourists Heading to the U.S.
In Europe, several countries have also seen a decline in tourism to the United States. The stricter visa requirements and increased tariffs have made the U.S. less appealing to European travelers. Countries such as Ireland, Germany, and Norway have all experienced decreases in U.S.-bound tourism.
Overall, European tourism to the United States has dropped by 17%, with some countries seeing decreases of more than 20%. With easier visa requirements and more affordable travel options in other destinations, European tourists are choosing to visit places that offer a more seamless and affordable travel experience.
What This Means for the Future of Global Tourism
The shifts in U.S. travel policies are having a significant impact on the global tourism industry. Some countries, like China, Qatar, and the Philippines, are profiting from the changes, while others, like the United States, Canada, and several European countries, are facing declines in tourism.
As the world continues to adapt to changing travel policies, it is likely that more countries will adjust their visa and travel policies to attract international visitors. These changes are shaping the future of global tourism and influencing where people choose to travel.
A Changing Landscape for Global Tourism
In conclusion, the United States’ shifting travel policies have reshaped the global tourism landscape. While some countries are seeing an increase in visitors, particularly those that have relaxed their entry requirements, others are facing a decline, especially those that have become less accessible or affordable.
For countries like China, Qatar, and the Philippines, these changes have created new opportunities to grow their tourism industries. On the other hand, the United States, Canada, and several European nations are grappling with reduced international tourism, particularly from U.S. travelers who are opting for other destinations.
As global tourism continues to evolve, countries will need to adapt their policies to stay competitive and attract international visitors. The future of tourism will depend on how countries navigate these changes and how they respond to the shifting preferences of travelers around the world.
