Tourism to the United States is plummeting amid perceived risks linked to President Donald Trump's policies and rhetoric, casting doubt on the anticipated boom from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and other major events. The US had been expecting a bumper year, with the World Cup, the 250th anniversary of independence, and the centenary of Route 66. However, since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has imposed tariffs, threatened allies, detained tourists, and implemented mass deportations, leading to travel warnings and boycott calls.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the US lost an estimated $12.5bn (£9.35bn) in international visitor spending in 2025, the only nation among 184 analysed to see a decline. A Skift poll found 46% of travellers were less likely to visit the US because of Trump. The situation has worsened in early 2026, with US airstrikes in Venezuela, renewed threats to acquire Greenland, and warnings to Cuba, Iran, Colombia, and Mexico.
The impact is spilling over to other destinations. Heather Storgaard, a Danish resident, is reconsidering a trip to Greenland in February due to Trump's comments about buying or taking the island by force. Jackie Arruda, a Brazil-based marketer, may cancel her May visit to Greenland, fearing the threats could become real. Jesús Noguera, owner of Cuba Careo Tours, reports immediate alarm among tourists after Trump described Cuba as 'ready to fall', leading to rescheduled plans and cancellations.
Laura Rendell-Dunn of Journey Latin America says bookings to Colombia and Mexico remain unaffected so far. For British travel agents, the guidance is clear: Sean Tipton of ABTA states that they will not send anyone to a destination if the Foreign Office advises against travel. The uncertainty continues to weigh on the tourism sector, with no clear signs of recovery in the near term.
