Will tourism slump force Trump to rethink his unilateral approach?

South China Morning Post Economic ImpactAnalysisEN 2 min read 100% complete by David DodwellFebruary 13, 2026 at 01:30 PM

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medium article 2 min

The United States experienced a decline in international tourism in 2025, despite a global increase. Data indicates a 4% drop in US tourism, contrasting with a 4% rise worldwide. Experts attribute this "Trump slump" to the former president's policies, including strained international relations, anti-immigration measures making visas difficult to obtain, and trade tariffs. Canadian land travel to the US fell significantly, by 30%. The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates potential losses of billions of dollars in visitor spending. The US Travel Association predicts a possible fall of 11 million international visitors in 2025, resulting in a loss of US$50 billion in spending and "hundreds of thousands" of jobs.

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the US government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign.

quote — Julia Simpson, WTTC CEO100% confidence

International tourism was up by 4 per cent globally in 2025.

statistic — UN Tourism data100% confidence

The US stood alone worldwide, with at least a 4 per cent fall in tourism.

factual — Article's own claim based on UN Tourism data90% confidence

The US could lose US$50 billion in spending and “hundreds of thousands” of jobs in 2025.

prediction — Erik Hansen, US Travel Association80% confidence

Canadian land travel to the US fell 30 per cent last year.

statistic — Article's own claim, source not explicitly stated70% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Panama 40% Minneapolis 40% Venezuela 40% Iran 40% Greenland 40% Julia Simpson 50% United Nations Tourism 60% Hong Kong 70% Canada ×270% World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) ×275% Donald Trump ×290% United States ×1095%

Keywords

tourism slump 90% us tourism 90% international tourism 80% unilateral approach 70% anti-immigrant strategy 70% visa restrictions 60% international trade 60% travel spending 50% economic impact 50%