Tourism to USA is Crashing
My son’s travel duffel sports the flag mementos of many nations, but may be taking an unfortunate break since travel now means taking off into increasingly unfriendly skies.
This story is everywhere, but deserves a serious look—albeit short, because it’s depressing and takes a tailspin into politics that are even more depressing. But brace yourself: The US is destroying a solid and previously evergreen tourism business worth $180 billion annually and supporting 1 million American jobs. Hmmm, I wonder why?
Because we ridicule other nations while raising chaotic tariffs that make routine business nearly impossible?
Because we break deals, shun NATO, pull aid funding, and have gone totally No More Mr. Nice Guy?
Because we threaten to take over Greenland, never mind that their steward nation of Denmark loyally fights alongside our military in wars; 43 Danish soldiers died in Afghanistan alone.
Because we tease and piss off Canada? That especially hurts in Minnesota, as Canadians are our #1 tourism source—representing 55% of our international guests—and spending around $150 million in 2024, which was a 24% decrease from 2023.
Because we may soon require visitors to provide up to 5 years of social media history, among other bizarre and intimidating steps to entry?
Because major markets like Germany and France have updated their travel advisories to include America while warning of risks that include political violence and immigration enforcement?
Well, those are SOME of the reasons. And there are so many more. Meanwhile, America hosts the FIFA soccer tournament in 11 cities this year and celebrates a 250th anniversary. In the olden days—which now feel like golden days—those events would have brought countless guests and dignitaries from all over the world, all spending lavishly.
Instead, people like the former president of FIFA have called for an international boycott of the FIFA tournament because of violence by ICE…who may be prowling the games with guns in tow, no?
Oh yeah, and then there’s that invasion of Iran. Our nation goes relatively unscathed (besides ratcheting gas prices and related inflation that will arrive soon). But in much of the world, the effects of this “war” are much worse, and hitting people’s pocketbooks, if not schoolyards.
When you piss off most of the world’s people, they stop liking and visiting you.
If that’s the tone for travel for the time being, I don’t much feel like flying anywhere. Folks I know who are traveling abroad describe receiving nearly-violent receptions upon mere introductions. Others retell the common tale of international hosts routinely asking, “What the f*ck is going on over there?”
Who knows? But please wake me when it’s over. And the TSA is funded and functioning again. And the Ugly American goes to the bathroom and we lock him in there. And… And… And…
This could take a while.
So if BreakAway shifts to highlighting other forms of escapism—think saunas, live music, nature breaks, nearby diversions—please play along. Such rather fits my aging carcass and slower, simpler lifestyle, anyway…verklempt though it may feel be to admit that.
The world is still a beautiful place. But sometimes one’s world must get smaller to stay saner.
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