Bill Martin says he has heard all kinds of concerns lately from people considering a visit to the United States. “Worries about getting in, worries about being detained at the border. I think there is a worldwide fear about what is happening here,” said the Australian, who spoke to CNN recently while on an open-air bus tour of New York City. Martin is on a six-week trip that’s included a cruise from Tokyo to Vancouver and a stopover in New York. Along the way he says he’s had lots of conversations with his fellow travelers about how the US’ status as a magnet for tourists has changed. “There is doubt as to whether people will get in (to the country),” he added. “And that causes people to think of a better destination to visit than the USA.” Eman Moretti, an Italian who is studying in the United States, said President Donald Trump’s hard-line immigration policies have made him nervous about his family visiting him in New York. “With Trump it was a bit harder even for them to come,” said the student, flanked by his mother, father and his two brothers on a recent midday stroll through Times Square. “It was challenging, because you never know if people get in through customs. So it was a bit (of a) hostile environment.” “Your visa could be canceled,” added Javier Muenala, visiting Times Square from Ecuador. “So it’s a lot of risks that many people don’t want to take.” This anxiety from foreigners about travel to the US in 2025 is increasingly reflected in the numbers. Spending by international travelers to the United States is expected to be down $12.5 billion this year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. Some of the nation’s leading tourist destinations, including Orlando, Miami and Los Angeles, are bracing for how the decline will impact businesses that rely on spending from international travelers. The downturn is being felt especially hard in New York City, the nation’s top destination for international travel. New York City Tourism + Conventions, the city’s official marketing organization, has cut its forecast for international tourists in 2025 by 17%. Julie Coker, the group’s CEO and president, told CNN the city is expected to host 2 million fewer international travelers this year than in 2024. “We are still hopeful, but we are starting to see the bookings slow down some,” Coker said. “International tourism is extremely important to us because while it only makes up 20 percent of our total visitation, it accounts for 50 percent of our visitor spend. This was to be the year we were to hit pre-Covid levels … and so to have this stall or pause it’s what’s disappointing.” Canadians are increasingly skipping travel to the US New York City is the most popular port of entry for international visitors to the US. And more people historically visit the US from Canada than from any other country. But there’s recent evidence that some Canadians, offended by the political rhetoric coming from Washington, are boycotting the US. Coker says the decline in New York City tourism is partly the result of having fewer Canadian visitors. Tour operators such as Matt Levy, who has seen a slowdown in business, agrees. “They’re going to Halifax, they’re going to Nova Scotia, they’re going to Vancouver. They’re spending money in their own country, said Levy, owner of Spread Love Tours, which offers customized tours of New York for art lovers, foodies, families and other groups. Levy has been leading tours of the city for three years. He says much of his business relies on international tourism, especially Canadian student groups. But in recent months Levy says Canadian travel agents have told him their clients are avoiding the States because they’re unnerved by threats of tariffs or turned off by Trump’s comments about making Canada the 51st state. Levy said that if the political climate doesn’t improve, business for him will likely be even worse in 2026. “Next year is going to be hard. Next year is going to be vicious,” he said. “My three largest Canadian clients, all three of them told me universally (that) the PTA boards aren’t going to let the kids come to America. They’re going to say, no, we’re going to spend money in our country instead,” he said. “That’s 40 percent of my business.” One NYC tour guide said she’s seeing fewer bookings Renée Rewiski has been a tour guide in New York City for more than a decade and says she has not seen numbers like this since the doldrums of the Covid-19 pandemic. “This time last year (we had) 20 people on the tour. We have five today,” Rewiski said on a recent day as she led a handful of tourists around lower Manhattan. “I’m just seeing fewer people and from fewer countries,” she said. Rewiski is a guide with Tours by Foot, which offers walking tours of such landmark New York neighborhoods as Brooklyn, Harlem and Greenwich Village. She worries that if something does not change soon, jobs could be at risk. “I’m not sure what we can do. I’m not sure how to change the attitudes, but just know people are losing their jobs in New York City (and) you’re hurting the wrong people,” she said, addressing her comments to foreign tourists. “The people who are doing some of the things you’re not liking are not the ones getting hurt,” she added. “We’re the ones that are being hurt.” Despite the recent headwinds, no one CNN spoke to in the New York travel industry says they’re giving up. The hope is the heated political climate will cool down and events such as the 2026 World Cup in nearby East Rutherford, New Jersey, and the US’ 250th anniversary next summer will boost interest among international visitors. In the meantime, Coker of NYC Tourism + Conventions says her organization has been promoting the city with a campaign that’s been running since May outside the US. It’s called, “With Love + Liberty, New York City.” Coker has a message for anyone thinking about visiting the Big Apple. “What we say to them is… New York City is open for business,” she says. “And while we have hit a bump in the road, we’re here when you’re ready to visit.”
Fewer foreign tourists are visiting NYC. The city is feeling the pinch
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"New York City Faces Decline in International Tourism Amid Travel Concerns"
CNN
5.8
TruthLens AI Summary
Tourism in New York City is facing significant challenges as international visitor numbers decline, reflecting a growing unease among potential travelers about entering the United States. Bill Martin, an Australian tourist, expressed concerns about the perception of the U.S. as a welcoming destination, citing fears related to border entry and detention. This sentiment is echoed by others, including Eman Moretti, an Italian student, who noted that the hard-line immigration policies under former President Trump have created anxiety for foreign visitors and their families. These fears are translating into tangible economic impacts, with the World Travel and Tourism Council predicting a $12.5 billion drop in spending by international travelers to the U.S. in 2025. As a result, New York City Tourism + Conventions has revised its forecast, expecting 2 million fewer international visitors this year compared to 2024, which could have dire implications for the city’s economy where international tourism significantly contributes to overall spending.
The downturn in tourist numbers is particularly pronounced among Canadian visitors, traditionally the largest group of international travelers to the U.S. Many Canadians are reportedly avoiding trips to the States due to political tensions and negative rhetoric from U.S. officials. Tour operators and guides in New York City are already feeling the impact; for example, Renée Rewiski, a long-time tour guide, has witnessed a drastic drop in bookings, reminiscent of the pandemic's low points. Industry professionals are concerned that if the political climate does not improve, the tourism sector may continue to suffer, potentially leading to job losses. Despite these challenges, leaders in the New York travel industry remain optimistic, hoping for a resurgence in tourism driven by upcoming events, such as the 2026 World Cup and the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations. Initiatives like the "With Love + Liberty, New York City" campaign aim to reassure potential visitors that New York is still an appealing destination, emphasizing the city’s readiness to welcome tourists once again.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a growing concern regarding the decline in foreign tourism to New York City, particularly as travelers express anxiety about entering the United States. This sentiment is captured through quotes from various tourists who mention fears related to immigration policies and border control, reflecting a broader apprehension about visiting the country. The piece underscores how these fears are not just personal sentiments but are translating into economic impacts, with international spending in the U.S. predicted to drop significantly.
Intent Behind the Article
The piece aims to inform readers about the current challenges facing NYC’s tourism sector and how these issues are tied to national policies and global perceptions. By focusing on the experiences and fears of tourists, it seeks to evoke empathy and raise awareness about the implications of declining international visitor numbers.
Public Perception and Implications
The narrative contributes to a growing perception that the U.S. is becoming less welcoming to international visitors. This could further entrench negative views about travel to the U.S., potentially discouraging future tourists from considering the country as a viable destination.
Concealed Information
While the article primarily focuses on the fears and economic consequences of declining tourism, it does not delve deeply into the positive aspects of travel to the U.S. or efforts being made to address these issues, which could provide a more balanced view. This omission might lead readers to perceive an overwhelmingly negative outlook on U.S. tourism.
Manipulative Elements
The article carries a tone that might be perceived as manipulative by emphasizing the fears of tourists without equally addressing counter-narratives or solutions. The use of emotional testimonials serves to heighten concerns, potentially swaying public opinion against current immigration policies.
Truthfulness of the Content
The concerns raised about tourism and spending figures appear to be based on data from credible sources like the World Travel and Tourism Council. However, the framing of the article might selectively focus on negative aspects, thus impacting its overall reliability.
Current Societal Message
The piece communicates a sense of urgency regarding the need for changes in policy to restore the U.S.'s image as a welcoming destination. By showcasing the experiences of international visitors, it suggests that without significant changes, the tourism sector may continue to suffer.
Comparative Context
When compared to other news pieces, this article aligns with a trend of highlighting the impacts of political decisions on everyday life, particularly in relation to travel and tourism. There is a common thread in various reports emphasizing the economic ramifications of political climates on industries reliant on international engagement.
Potential Impact on Society and Economy
The decline in tourism could have far-reaching effects on local economies, particularly in major cities like NYC, which depend heavily on international visitors for revenue. This may lead to broader economic repercussions, including job losses in the hospitality sector and reduced income for local businesses.
Support from Specific Communities
This article may resonate more with communities concerned about immigration policies and their implications for tourism. It likely appeals to those advocating for more open borders and a welcoming approach to international visitors.
Market Reactions
The news could influence stock prices for companies in the travel and tourism sectors, particularly those heavily reliant on international visitors. Airlines, hotel chains, and local attractions might see fluctuations based on public sentiment reflected in the article.
Geopolitical Relevance
From a global perspective, the article touches on the shifting dynamics of tourism and how national policies can affect international relations. As travel patterns change, this could influence diplomatic and economic ties with other countries.
Use of AI in Article Composition
While it’s difficult to ascertain if AI was explicitly used in drafting the article, certain aspects of its structure and language suggest a formulaic approach which could be indicative of AI assistance. The choice of quotes and the emphasis on emotional narratives might reflect a style often employed by content generation models.
This analysis indicates that the article conveys an important message regarding the state of tourism in NYC, though it does so with a focus that may amplify negative perceptions. The overall reliability hinges on the accuracy of the data presented alongside the emotional framing of the narrative.