Their travel generates billions for the U.S. They’re rethinking their plans.
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Why are fewer international tourists visiting the United States?
Good morning. It's Thursday, April 24th. I'm Shemita Basu. This is Apple News Today. On today's show, how Pope Francis spent his last days, a major sports betting scandal, and how the wealthiest people in the country got even richer last year. But first, more and more international tourists appear to be turning their backs on the idea of a vacation in the United States. The number of tourists arriving in March fell by nearly 12 percent compared to March of last year, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office. We're seeing fewer tourists from Canada, Mexico, Central America and Europe. This was not expected. In fact, just last month, officials were predicting an increase in international travel this year.
How have U.S. policies affected international travel?
The Washington Post spoke to travel experts who pointed to a few reasons for the slump. President Trump's tariff policy has inflamed international tensions. And under his immigration policy, a number of foreign-born tourists have been detained, some even locked up for weeks. A German tourist spent more than six weeks in detention. An actor from Canada spent around two weeks in detention. She recounted the experience for NPR.
What personal experiences have tourists had with U.S. immigration detention?
Use as a blanket. You wrap it around yourself like a dead body because it's so cold in the cells and you just lay there. I laid on the cement floor for two days and no one told me what was going on.
A number of countries tightened their travel advisories as a result, warning travelers to, quote, expect scrutiny and comply with U.S. rules or face detention. But for some tourists, the risks of traveling here just don't feel worth it.
How do travel experts explain the decline in U.S. tourism?
In a recent survey by the travel news site Skift, nearly half of the people who responded across five different countries said they're less inclined to visit the U.S. right now, and 60 percent cited fear and anger for why they've canceled travel plans. Skift's editor-in-chief, Sarah Coppett, told CNN a lot of the hesitation seems to center on Trump.
We do get the impression that the beef here is really with the Trump administration, not the American people necessarily. But yeah, these high profile incidents that have really gotten a huge amount of worldwide press don't do the United States any favors for its inbound travel market.
As the CEO of one hotel giant put it to Bloomberg, there's a lot of, quote, bad buzz around the U.S. right now. International travelers spent over $250 billion in the U.S. last year, and their vacation choices can make or break entire industries. Goldman Sachs estimates that in a worst-case scenario, reduced inbound travel and boycotts on U.S. goods could lead to almost $90 billion in lost revenue. And a handful of states will feel it the most, like Florida, California, New York, and Nevada. Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat, recently expressed her frustration about this in a hearing on Trump's tariff policy with Trade Representative Jameson Greer.
What economic impact does reduced tourism have on the U.S. economy?
So why don't you come talk to me in my office and let's talk about and put a plan together because these blanket tariffs are having an impact on tourism in my state and across the country. Instead of just defending it, why don't you just come sit down with some of us and try to address the concerns that we are seeing and feeling in our states that this administration has not taken into account. I'm happy to come speak with you.
Forecasters had initially hoped that inbound travel to the U.S. would return to pre-pandemic levels by 2026. But at this point, they say that seems unlikely. People around the world are mourning the loss of Pope Francis. Tens of thousands of mourners have gathered in Vatican City in recent days to pay their respects.
How did Pope Francis spend his final days before passing?
And there was such a strong turnout that the Vatican kept the doors open through the night last night at St. Peter's Basilica. His final days were consistent with how he has spent his years in the papacy, in service, pastoring, giving blessings, and calling for peace. Francis had only recently gotten out of the hospital, where he spent 38 days battling a severe case of pneumonia.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
Why are fewer international tourists visiting the United States?
0:05–1:02
2
How have U.S. policies affected international travel?
1:02–1:33
3
What personal experiences have tourists had with U.S. immigration detention?
1:33–2:00
4
How do travel experts explain the decline in U.S. tourism?
2:00–3:20
5
What economic impact does reduced tourism have on the U.S. economy?
3:20–4:16
6
How did Pope Francis spend his final days before passing?
4:16–6:06
7
What actions did Pope Francis take during the Israel-Hamas war?
6:06–7:25
8
How did Pope Francis’ calls impact Palestinian Christians in Gaza?
7:25–14:22
Speakers
7 identifiedMore from Apple News Today
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