Tourism in America 2025
In 2025, the United States tourism industry stands at a pivotal crossroads, shaped by a mix of recovery, transformation, and ongoing global disruptions. Once a dominant force in global travel, the U.S. tourism sector is now grappling with contrasting dynamics: a resurgence in domestic travel demand, offset by a notable decline in international visitor arrivals. While 70% of Americans report intentions to maintain or increase their travel activity, the nation is experiencing a 14% year-over-year drop in international visits, exposing vulnerabilities in cross-border tourism and its economic implications. The resulting $12.5 billion loss in international visitor spending underscores the critical importance of foreign tourism to the broader travel economy, especially in metropolitan regions and border states.
Despite these international setbacks, the American tourism industry remains resilient, bolstered by a thriving domestic travel market and emerging consumer behaviors like “slow travel,” “bleisure,” and “microcations.” With a projected $3 trillion in domestic travel spending by 2034 and a sector contributing $2.6 trillion to national GDP, tourism continues to serve as both an economic driver and employment engine, supporting over 20 million jobs across the country. As the industry adapts to shifting travel patterns, technological innovation, sustainability demands, and geopolitical uncertainty, the period from 2025 to 2029 represents a critical era for strategic realignment, market diversification, and long-term recovery planning.
Tourism Stats & Facts in the US 2025
| Tourism Metric | 2025 Data | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| International Visitor Arrivals | 77.1 million (projected) | +6.5% increase |
| International Visits (March 2025) | 14% decline | -14% vs March 2024 |
| Economic Loss from International Visitors | $12.5 billion | Projected annual loss |
| Travel & Tourism GDP Contribution | $2.6 trillion | 2024 baseline |
| Tourism Industry Employment | 20+ million jobs | Direct and indirect |
| Tax Revenue from Tourism | $585 billion annually | 7% of government income |
| Canadian Overnight Land Trips | 26% decline | -26% vs previous year |
| Average Tourist Daily Spending | $529.50 | Per person per day |
| Domestic Travel Growth Projection | $3 trillion by 2034 | Long-term forecast |
| Real Tourism Output Growth (2023) | 7.0% increase | vs 2.9% GDP growth |
The tourism landscape in America during 2025 presents a complex narrative of recovery and decline. The $12.5 billion loss in international visitor spending represents more than just statistical data—it reflects a fundamental shift in global travel patterns that directly impacts communities, businesses, and employment across the nation. This decline is particularly pronounced in specific segments, with Canadian overnight land trips falling by 26%, indicating regional tensions affecting traditional travel corridors.
However, the domestic tourism sector continues to show remarkable strength, with travel spending projected to exceed $3 trillion by 2034. This growth trajectory is driven by changing American travel behaviors, including the rise of “slow travel,” “bleisure” combinations, and “microcations.” The $529.50 average daily spending per tourist demonstrates the continued economic value of each visitor, though the challenge lies in maintaining overall visitor volume. The industry’s contribution of $2.6 trillion to the economy and support for over 20 million jobs underscores its critical importance to national economic stability.
International Visitor Arrivals to the US 2025
| Market Segment | 2025 Figures | Performance Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Total International Arrivals | 77.1 million | 6.5% projected increase |
| Air Travel Arrivals (March) | 10% decline | Year-over-year decrease |
| Overseas Visitors (excluding Canada/Mexico) | Data pending | Department of Commerce |
| 2026 Projection | 85 million | 10.2% increase forecast |
| 2027 Projection | 90.1 million | 6% growth forecast |
| Top 12 Source Markets | Recovery varying | Mixed performance |
| March 2025 Total Visits | 14% decline | vs March 2024 |
| Canadian Visitation | 20.2% decline | Most significant drop |
| European Market Performance | Decline trend | Ongoing challenges |
| Asia-Pacific Recovery | Gradual improvement | Post-pandemic adjustment |
The international tourism sector’s economic impact on the United States in 2025 reveals both the industry’s traditional strength and current vulnerabilities. The World Travel & Tourism Council’s projection of a $12.5 billion loss in international visitor spending represents the most significant challenge facing the sector. This decline affects not only major metropolitan areas but also rural communities that depend on tourism revenue for economic sustainability.
The broader economic implications extend beyond direct spending losses. With travel and tourism contributing $585 billion in tax revenue annually—representing 7% of all government income—the reduction in international visitors creates cascading effects on public finances. The 20+ million jobs supported by the industry face pressure from reduced international demand, though domestic travel continues to provide crucial employment stability. The $2.6 trillion total economic contribution demonstrates the industry’s resilience, yet the international segment’s decline threatens long-term growth projections and competitiveness against other global destinations.
Domestic Travel Trends in the US 2025
| Domestic Travel Metric | 2025 Statistics | Growth Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Americans Planning to Travel | 70% | Maintain/increase travel |
| Projected Spending Growth | $3 trillion by 2034 | Long-term trajectory |
| Real Tourism Output Growth | 7.0% (2023) | vs 2.9% GDP growth |
| Travel Industry Performance | 20.8% growth (2022) | Recovery acceleration |
| Average Daily Tourist Spending | $529.50 | Per person expenditure |
| Slow Travel Adoption | Rising trend | Extended stays |
| Bleisure Travel Growth | Increasing | Business-leisure hybrid |
| Microcation Popularity | Growing segment | Short-distance travel |
| Domestic Market Resilience | Strong performance | Compensating losses |
| Travel Behavior Evolution | Significant shifts | Post-pandemic patterns |
The domestic travel market emerges as the primary stabilizing force for American tourism in 2025, with 70% of Americans planning to maintain or increase their travel activities throughout the year. This domestic resilience provides crucial economic support, with the real tourism output growing 7.0% in 2023—significantly outpacing the 2.9% GDP growth of the broader economy. The $529.50 average daily spending by domestic tourists demonstrates strong consumer confidence and willingness to invest in travel experiences.
The evolution of domestic travel patterns reflects changing American lifestyles and preferences. The rise of slow travel, bleisure, and microcations indicates a maturing market that values quality over quantity in travel experiences. These trends contribute to the projected $3 trillion spending target by 2034, suggesting that domestic tourism will increasingly drive industry growth. The 20.8% growth in 2022 followed by continued expansion demonstrates the sector’s ability to adapt and thrive despite international headwinds, positioning domestic travel as the foundation for future industry stability and growth.
Top 10 Countries Sending International Visitors to the US 2025
| Country Rank | Country | 2024 Baseline Data | 2025 Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | 20.24 million (2024) | Declining trend |
| 2 | Mexico | 16.99 million (2024) | Mixed performance |
| 3 | United Kingdom | Data pending | Sharp decline noted |
| 4 | Germany | Data pending | Particularly sharp decline |
| 5 | France | Data pending | Recovery ongoing |
| 6 | Japan | Data pending | Gradual recovery |
| 7 | South Korea | Data pending | Post-pandemic adjustment |
| 8 | Italy | Data pending | European market trends |
| 9 | Spain | Data pending | Traditional source market |
| 10 | Brazil | Data pending | South American leader |
The source market composition for international visitors to the United States in 2025 reveals significant challenges across all major markets. Canada maintained its position as the leading source market with 20.24 million visitors in 2024, though Canadian visitors returning from the US by land plunged 31.9% year-over-year in March 2025, while air arrivals fell 13.5%. This dramatic decline reflects the broader challenges facing international tourism to the United States.
Mexico held second place with 16.99 million visitors in 2024, but air visitors from Mexico fell 23.0% in March 2025, indicating continued pressure on this critical market. Overseas visitor arrivals to the US in March contracted 11.6%, with particularly sharp declines from Germany and the UK. The European markets face unprecedented challenges, with Germany and the UK showing particularly sharp declines. In 2023, the US welcomed over 66.5 million international tourists – a 31% increase from 2022, but still 16.3% below the visitor numbers of 2019, demonstrating that while recovery occurred in 2023, 2025 presents new challenges with declining visitor numbers across key source markets.
Top 10 Countries US Tourists Visit Abroad 2025
| Destination Rank | Country | 2023 Baseline | 2025 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | Leading destination | Continued popularity |
| 2 | Canada | Second choice | Traditional favorite |
| 3 | United Kingdom | Top European choice | Strong preference |
| 4 | France | Cultural destination | Popular European market |
| 5 | Italy | Mediterranean favorite | Consistent demand |
| 6 | Germany | Central European hub | Stable market |
| 7 | Spain | Popular European choice | Growing interest |
| 8 | Japan | Leading Asian destination | Post-pandemic recovery |
| 9 | Ireland | Growing European market | Increasing popularity |
| 10 | Dominican Republic | Caribbean favorite | Leisure destination |
American outbound tourism in 2025 demonstrates strong activity, with outbound travel (Americans going abroad) having grown the fastest, exceeding 2019 spending by 17%. The total number of US travelers to Canada, Mexico, and other countries amounted to 98.46 million in total in 2023, marking a significant rebound following earlier pandemic impacts. This represents a substantial recovery in American appetite for international travel experiences.
Mexico continues to dominate as the preferred destination for American travelers, driven by geographic proximity, cultural connections, and diverse tourism offerings from beach resorts to cultural heritage sites. Canada follows as the traditional second choice, benefiting from ease of travel, similar cultural backgrounds, and diverse seasonal attractions. European destinations remain highly attractive to American travelers, with traditional favorites maintaining strong appeal despite economic pressures. About 76% of Americans have traveled to at least one other country, with 26% having visited five or more countries, while roughly 23% of Americans have not traveled internationally. The average traveling household in the US had a combined income of $154,000, indicating that international travel remains concentrated among higher-income segments. The robust outbound performance contrasts sharply with declining inbound international tourism, creating challenges for the overall US tourism balance.
Tourism Employment and Economic Impact in the US 2025
| Employment Metric | 2025 Data | Economic Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tourism Jobs | 20+ million | Direct and indirect employment |
| Economic Contribution | $2.6 trillion | Annual GDP impact |
| Tax Revenue Generation | $585 billion | 7% of government income |
| Job Market Stability | Mixed performance | Domestic vs international |
| Industry Recovery Rate | Gradual improvement | Post-pandemic adjustment |
| Wage Growth in Tourism | Competitive levels | Market-driven increases |
| Regional Employment Impact | Varies by location | Urban vs rural differences |
| Seasonal Employment Patterns | Traditional cycles | Peak season variations |
| Skills Development Programs | Industry initiatives | Workforce enhancement |
| Economic Multiplier Effect | Significant impact | Broader economy benefits |
The tourism industry’s employment landscape in 2025 reflects both the sector’s fundamental importance and the pressures it faces from changing market conditions. With over 20 million jobs supported directly and indirectly by tourism activities, the industry remains one of America’s largest employers. However, the $12.5 billion loss in international visitor spending creates uncertainty for employment stability, particularly in regions heavily dependent on international tourism.
The $585 billion in annual tax revenue generated by tourism—representing 7% of all government income—highlights the industry’s critical role in public finance and employment creation. The $2.6 trillion economic contribution supports diverse employment opportunities across hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and related services. Despite international visitor declines, the strength of domestic travel, with 70% of Americans planning to maintain or increase travel, provides employment resilience. The industry’s ability to adapt to changing travel patterns, including the growth of bleisure and microcations, demonstrates its capacity to maintain employment levels while evolving to meet new market demands.
Future Projections for US Tourism 2025-2029
| Forecast Metric | 2025-2029 Projections | Growth Trajectory |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 International Arrivals | 77.1 million | 6.5% increase |
| 2026 International Arrivals | 85 million | 10.2% increase |
| 2027 International Arrivals | 90.1 million | 6% increase |
| Long-term Domestic Spending | $3 trillion by 2034 | Sustained growth |
| International Recovery Timeline | 2025-2029 | Gradual improvement |
| Market Diversification | Ongoing | Reduced dependency risks |
| Technology Integration | Accelerating | Digital transformation |
| Sustainability Focus | Increasing | Environmental considerations |
| Tourism Innovation | Rising investment | Experience enhancement |
| Regional Development | Expanding | Geographic diversification |
The National Travel and Tourism Office’s forecast presents a cautiously optimistic outlook for American tourism recovery through 2029. The projected progression from 77.1 million international arrivals in 2025 to 90.1 million by 2027 suggests a substantial recovery trajectory, though this growth must be viewed against the backdrop of current challenges. The 10.2% increase projected for 2026 indicates potential for significant year-over-year improvement, assuming resolution of current geopolitical and economic pressures.
The $3 trillion domestic spending projection by 2034 represents the most promising aspect of the industry’s future, demonstrating America’s capacity to drive tourism growth through internal demand. This domestic strength, combined with the gradual recovery of international markets, positions the industry for sustained long-term expansion. The 6% growth rate projected for 2027 suggests stabilization at healthy levels, while the continued evolution of travel patterns—including slow travel, bleisure, and microcations—indicates a maturing market that can adapt to changing consumer preferences and global conditions. The industry’s resilience, evidenced by 7.0% real output growth compared to 2.9% GDP growth, suggests tourism will continue outpacing broader economic performance as recovery progresses.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
