U.S. Foreign Visits Fell by 4 Million in 2025 as World Cup Nears

Q: As U.S. tourism stalls, is China on track to become the world's new top travel destination?

China is not yet the world’s top travel destination, but it is on a credible path to challenge the U.S. if current trends hold. The U.S. still has the largest overall travel and tourism market. In 2025, it remained No. 1, with the sector contributing about $2.63 trillion to GDP. But growth was weak at 0.9%, and international visitors fell by 4 million, or 5.5%, with spending down roughly $9 billion. That slowdown has continued into 2026, despite the World Cup boost expected from about 1.24 million international visitors. China, by contrast, is expanding much faster. Its travel and tourism sector grew nearly 10% in 2025 to about $1.75 trillion, and WTTC projects it could reach $1.9 trillion. China’s inbound tourism also rose sharply, with foreign national arrivals up 26.4% in 2025, helped by visa-free access for 48 countries. The broader Asia-Pacific region is now the fastest-growing tourism market globally. That does not mean China has already overtaken the U.S. as the top destination for international visitors or tourism revenue. The stronger claim supported by the data is that China is on track to become the largest tourism economy within three to four years if momentum continues, while the U.S. risks losing ground because of weaker inbound demand, higher travel costs, and traveler concerns about entry procedures and overall ease of visiting. So the balance is shifting: the U.S. remains the leader today, but China is the clearest rising challenger.

3 articles · Updated · AS USA · Jun 11

A 5.5% drop in international visitors cut 4 million trips to the U.S. in 2025, leaving the tourism industry cautious even as the 2026 World Cup opens across North America.
Trump administration entry policies, hostile rhetoric toward other countries and confusion over visas and possible deportation discouraged travelers, according to the report.
Canada, the biggest source of foreign tourists to the U.S., saw border crossings fall 21% after Trump's threats to damage its economy and make it the 51st state.
Higher airfares tied to rising jet fuel costs during the U.S.-Iran conflict have added fresh pressure, dimming hopes that World Cup crowds will fully revive U.S. tourism.