A tourism slump has slammed the U.S. travel industry amid a torrent of controversial tariffs

The U.S. travel industry, particularly in New York City, is experiencing a significant slump, attributed to controversial tariff policies and political tensions under President Donald Trump's administration. This downturn has been exacerbated by the high-profile detentions of several European and Canadian tourists and Trump's controversial proposal to annex Canada. Tour operators in New York, such as Matt Levy of Spread Love Tours, report a drastic decrease in foreign business, particularly from Canada, which has seen its numbers fall between 30% and 60%. Similarly, Luke Miller of Real New York Tours has witnessed cancellations from Canadian and European tourists, which constituted half of his customer base. Airline companies, such as Air Canada, have also reported declines in bookings. This trend is supported by national statistics showing diminished cross-border travel and warnings from several European countries about visiting the U.S. Despite these challenges, official statements from tourism authorities like Julie Coker, CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, remain optimistic about the city’s ability to adapt. Meanwhile, locals express hopes for a rise in domestic travel, though it remains uncertain if it will offset the international losses. An additional perspective is provided by international travelers and residents, such as Herbert Bopp, who express reluctance to visit the U.S. due to political tensions and cultural policies under the Trump administration. Bopp, currently in Canada, joins other potential tourists in reconsidering travel plans, further affecting the U.S. tourism industry. As the U.S. anticipates major events like the FIFA World Cup and Summer Olympics in the coming decade, the current slump amidst political controversies poses potential long-term challenges.