California saw a 1.2% decline in arrivals in August and experienced a 1.11% decline in 2025, joining New York, Washington, North Dakota, Minnesota, Texas, and other U.S. states in facing a continuous plunge in tourism. This widespread decline is largely attributed to external factors, primarily the ongoing travel restrictions imposed by neighboring countries, Canada and Mexico. These restrictions have significantly impacted U.S. tourism, especially in states that depend heavily on international visitors.
The travel freeze from Canada and Mexico has created significant barriers for tourists attempting to visit the U.S., contributing to a sharp drop in the number of arrivals. With U.S. visa policies tightening and travel costs rising, international visitors from these neighboring countries are opting for alternative destinations, further exacerbating the problem. As a result, states like California, with its iconic landmarks and attractions, are seeing fewer visitors, which has had a direct effect on local economies and industries such as hospitality, retail, and transportation.
From the sunny beaches of California to the cultural hubs of New York and the scenic wonders of Washington, the tourism downturn is evident across the country. While California’s decline may seem minor, it reflects a broader national trend, with several states facing similar challenges. Washington, North Dakota, and Minnesota are among the hardest hit, with the downturn being particularly felt in cities and regions that are major tourism destinations for international travelers.
The reason for this ongoing decline is clear: the combination of Canada and Mexico’s travel restrictions, tightening U.S. visa policies, and rising travel costs has left the U.S. travel industry struggling. With fewer international visitors arriving at key tourist destinations, it has become increasingly difficult for states to maintain their usual tourism flow. The current situation highlights the urgent need for policy changes and reforms to revive the U.S. tourism industry and restore the country’s position as a top destination for global travelers.
Mexico, traditionally one of the U.S.’s largest tourism markets, has faced a sharp downturn in 2025, with air travel to the U.S. dropping by 23% in the first half of the year, following an 11.8% decline in the first quarter. This decline is part of an ongoing trend, with seven consecutive months of decreases in both air and land travel from Mexico to the U.S. The tightening of U.S. visa policies, including the $250 Visa Integrity Fee and the suspension of the interview waiver program, has created significant barriers for many Mexican travelers. Additionally, the strengthening U.S. dollar and the political climate have further discouraged travel, making it more expensive and shifting sentiments against the U.S. as a destination. With bookings for the summer and fall showing a significant decrease compared to last year, many Mexicans are now choosing alternative destinations such as Europe and Latin America, where visa processes are easier. Experts suggest that the U.S. must consider policy reforms, such as reinstating the interview waiver program and reducing visa costs, to make it a more attractive destination for international tourists.
Canada, historically a major contributor to U.S. tourism, has also experienced a drastic decline in 2025, with Canadian road trips to the U.S. falling by 37% in July compared to the same month in 2024, following a 33% decline in June. Air travel from Canada also took a significant hit, with a 26% year-over-year drop in travelers. This marks the seventh consecutive month of declines in both car and air travel to the U.S. Interestingly, the decline has been predominantly one-way: while 7% fewer Americans drove to Canada in July, air travel to Canada saw a 0.7% increase. The primary reasons behind this decline are recent U.S. visa and border policies, including the suspension of the interview waiver program and the introduction of the $250 Visa Integrity Fee. These changes have complicated the travel process for Canadians, who once enjoyed streamlined entry to the U.S. The added costs and longer wait times for in-person interviews have made U.S. visits more expensive and less appealing, prompting many Canadians to reconsider their travel plans.
In August 2025, California welcomed 8.2 million tourists, reflecting a decrease of 1.2% compared to 8.3 million in August 2024. The total number of tourist arrivals for the first eight months of 2025 reached 62.3 million, showing a 1.11% decrease from 63.0 million during the same period in 2024. Despite this decline, California continues to be a top destination, known for its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, world-class attractions such as Disneyland, and its diverse cultural experiences. The state remains a major hub for tourism, offering everything from vibrant cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco to breathtaking natural beauty in national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia. California’s tourism sector, although facing a slight dip, remains a key contributor to the state’s economy and global appeal.
In August 2025, Texas welcomed 9.1 million visitors, experiencing a slight decline of 1.09% compared to the same month in 2024. Despite this dip, the state has demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to attract millions of visitors annually. The total year-to-date (YTD) data for Texas tourism shows a minor overall decrease of 2.56%, with a total of 68.6 million visitors in 2025, down from 70.4 million in 2024. Texas offers a diverse range of tourism experiences, from urban exploration in cities like Austin and Houston to natural wonders such as Big Bend National Park and the Hill Country. The state’s tourism industry benefits from its large cultural, culinary, and entertainment scene, including events like South by Southwest (SXSW). These factors make Texas a significant tourism destination despite minor fluctuations in visitor numbers.
New York’s tourism sector continues to thrive, despite a 11.63% decline in visitor numbers for August 2025, with 3.8 million visitors compared to 4.3 million in August 2024. The total YTD count stands at 22.1 million visitors, marking a decrease of 10.53% from 24.7 million in 2024. New York’s allure remains strong, drawing visitors from around the world who are eager to explore its iconic attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park. The city’s rich arts and culture scene, alongside its world-class dining and shopping experiences, ensure its continued status as a top global destination. Although the data reflects a slight downturn, New York remains resilient and is expected to continue its role as a primary hub for tourism in the United States.
In August 2025, North Dakota saw a significant decline in visitor numbers, with 149K tourists compared to 216K in August 2024, marking a year-on-year decrease of 31.02%. This drop has contributed to a total of 1.24 million visitors so far in 2025, which is down 15.29% from the 1.46 million visitors recorded in 2024. Despite this decline, North Dakota remains a unique and compelling destination, attracting tourists with its rich cultural history, outdoor adventures, and vibrant festivals. The state’s national parks, scenic byways, and Native American heritage sites continue to provide visitors with diverse experiences. Although the overall tourism numbers have decreased, North Dakota’s broad range of offerings provides a solid foundation for future growth as travel trends shift and new experiences emerge.
In August 2025, Washington’s tourism saw 272K arrivals, representing an 11.42% decrease compared to 307K in August 2024. The total number of tourist arrivals for the first eight months of 2025 reached 1.912 million, which is a 2.85% decline from the 1.968 million recorded in the same period of 2024. Despite the year-on-year decline, Washington continues to be a significant destination for travelers. With its iconic landmarks such as the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums, and the vibrant cultural scene, Washington offers a diverse range of experiences for both leisure and business visitors. The city’s tourism industry remains resilient, with a steady flow of tourists attracted to its rich history, political significance, and annual events, contributing to the local economy and showcasing the city as a must-visit destination.
In August 2025, Minnesota’s tourism saw 272K arrivals, reflecting a decline of 11.42% compared to 307K in August 2024. The total number of tourist arrivals for the first eight months of 2025 reached 2.412 million, which marks a 2.51% decrease from the 2.474 million recorded in the same period of 2024. Despite this decline, Minnesota continues to be an attractive destination for tourists, with its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, and natural wonders. Visitors are drawn to its famous parks, lakes, and outdoor activities, making the state a top choice for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Although there has been a slight dip in arrivals, Minnesota’s tourism sector remains resilient, supporting local economies and showcasing the state’s diverse offerings to both domestic and international visitors.
Florida: Florida saw an 8.8% decline in tourism, with the number of visitors dropping from 19.4 million in 2024 to 17.7 million in 2025. The decline was spread across multiple months, including a significant drop in October and February. Global challenges, including economic instability and travel restrictions, contributed to the decrease in visitors.
Hawaii: Hawaii’s tourism faced a 5.56% decline, from 1.8 million visitors in 2024 to 1.7 million in 2025. Although some months saw slight increases, like October and January, the overall trend indicated a small decline, reflecting broader travel disruptions and changing tourist preferences.
Virginia’s: Virginia’s tourism saw an 8.63% decline, with visitor numbers falling from 93.8 million in 2024 to 85.7 million in 2025. The decline was reflected in several months, including a significant drop in February and March, signaling the broader trend affecting U.S. tourism. Despite the challenges, Virginia remains a popular destination.
Nevada: Nevada’s tourism, particularly in Las Vegas, experienced an 11.3% drop in visitation by June 2025, with hotel occupancy rates falling and average daily rates dropping by 7%. The decline has been attributed to a combination of factors including reduced international arrivals and shifting travel trends.
Colorado: Colorado’s tourism saw a drastic decline, particularly in destinations like Aspen and Breckenridge, where visits dropped by over 40%. The reduction in Canadian visitors, along with a 10% decrease in short-term rental occupancy, highlighted the challenges facing the state’s tourism sector in 2025.
Michigan: Michigan’s tourism experienced a 16.2% drop in 2025, from 14.4 million visitors in 2024 to 10.9 million. Notable reductions were seen in April and June, marking a significant decrease in visitor numbers. The drop reflects a larger trend in U.S. tourism and highlights the need for recovery strategies.
Mississippi: Mississippi saw a 17.9% decline in tourism in 2025, with the number of visitors dropping from 496K in 2024 to 407K. October experienced a 35.2% drop, while November surged by over 370%, indicating significant fluctuations. The decline in overall visitor numbers has been challenging for local tourism
California saw a 1.2% decline in arrivals in August and a -1.11% drop through August in 2025, joining New York, Washington, North Dakota, Minnesota, Texas, and others in experiencing a continuous tourism plunge. This decline has been driven by Canada and Mexico’s ongoing travel restrictions, tightening U.S. visa policies, and rising travel costs, which have significantly impacted U.S. tourism across these states.
In conclusion, the tourism decline across states like California, New York, Washington, North Dakota, Minnesota, Texas, and others highlights the significant impact of travel restrictions imposed by Canada and Mexico, as well as tightening U.S. visa policies and rising travel costs. These challenges have contributed to a continued drop in international visitors, affecting local economies and industries reliant on tourism. To recover, the U.S. must consider policy reforms, such as reinstating the interview waiver program and easing visa processes, to make the country a more attractive destination for global travelers once again. Only through these efforts can the U.S. hope to revitalize its tourism sector and regain its position as a leading destination for international tourism.
