The United States' once-thriving tourism industry is taking a sharp hit, as international travelers pull back in droves amid punitive tariffs and deepening global resentment.
With economic policies fueling uncertainty, businesses dependent on foreign visitors are scrambling to adapt to a steep decline.
California's iconic tourist spot, Venice Beach, exemplifies this downturn. Normally packed with visitors from around the world, its vendors have noticed noticeably smaller crowds, even during the peak of spring break.
"I was here in Venice in 2020. It was a lot busier. It was the pandemic, and we still had a lot of tourism during the pandemic, we were selling jewelry out here. Right now, as you can see, this is empty. None of the vendors are selling much," said John Vargas, a street vendor.
While tariffs may be the biggest factor driving the decline in tourism, other issues have also made the U.S. less appealing to international travelers.
"Well, everybody is going, 'well, you know, maybe we shouldn't go down there'. The tariff talk coincided with 51st state talk, and then disrespecting, the whole government across the line and everything. And that's when the Canadians said, 'Hold on a minute.' And then they just slowed down coming," said Terry Mathie, a resident.
One Wall Street firm warned that the U.S. could lose as much as 90 billion dollars in revenue from reduced travel and product boycotts by the end of this year. For places heavily dependent on tourism, it could be a long hot summer.
U.S. tourism slumps as tariffs, global backlash drive away int'l visitors
U.S. tourism slumps as tariffs, global backlash drive away int'l visitors
U.S. tourism slumps as tariffs, global backlash drive away int'l visitors
