FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – The number of European travelers visiting the United States fell sharply in March, with a 17% decline compared to the same period last year, according to the International Trade Administration.
Travel from countries including Ireland, Norway, and Germany dropped by more than 20%, an analysis of ITA data for the Financial Times revealed.
Overall, foreign visitors to the U.S. decreased by 12% from January through March, marking the steepest decline since March 2021, when pandemic restrictions heavily impacted the travel sector.
The U.S. tourism industry, which accounts for 2.5% of the nation’s GDP, faces challenges as airlines and hotels report reduced demand for transatlantic travel.
Paul English, co-founder of travel website Kayak, attributed the decline to political and economic tensions stemming from President Donald Trump’s policies. “In just two months, Trump has destroyed the U.S.’s reputation, as evidenced by the decline in travel from the EU to the U.S.,” English told the Financial Times.
Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, noted that while the timing of Easter may have contributed to the decline, other indicators, such as data from airports and land crossings, suggest a broader reaction to Trump’s policies.
Transatlantic routes, among the most profitable in the world, have seen increased demand for premium seats post-pandemic, but the recent trend poses a threat to this recovery.