Global Tourism Surges but U.S. Loses Ground as Foreign Visitors Fall

Global tourism spending rose 6.7 percent in 2025 to an estimated $11.7 trillion, underscoring the sector’s continued recovery and expansion even as the United States saw a decline in foreign visitor arrivals, according to data released by the World Travel and Tourism Council. International travel volumes exceeded 1.5 billion trips last year, with tourism accounting for approximately 10.3 percent of global gross domestic product, a share that outpaced overall economic growth.

In contrast to global gains, the United States experienced a roughly 6 percent drop in foreign visitors in 2025, accompanied by a near 7 percent decline in spending by international tourists. Arrivals from key source markets including Canada, Mexico, and parts of Europe fell, narrowing the country’s share of global travel flows despite resilient domestic demand.

Industry analysts cited perceptions around immigration enforcement, visa processing, and border procedures as contributing factors, noting that travel decisions among international visitors are increasingly influenced by policy clarity and ease of entry. While domestic travel within the United States helped offset some of the decline, the shift highlighted growing competition from destinations perceived as more welcoming or efficient.

Elsewhere, major European destinations continued to attract record numbers of international visitors. France welcomed approximately 105 million travelers in 2025, while Spain recorded more than 96 million arrivals, both surpassing U.S. totals and reinforcing Europe’s position as a dominant global tourism hub. Asia also posted strong growth, benefiting from expanded air capacity and renewed cross-border demand.

Looking ahead, the World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts global tourism growth of around 4.5 percent in 2026, signaling continued momentum for international mobility even as competitive dynamics between regions evolve. For global investors, family offices, and luxury-focused sectors, the data underscores how policy perception, accessibility, and destination positioning increasingly shape high-value travel flows and related economic opportunity.