Across the United States, hotel managers like Meade Atkeson are grappling with the significant impact of a downturn in international tourism, which has placed considerable strain on their businesses. Atkeson oversees three hotels under the Sonesta group, located in Washington, D.C., and Miami Beach, where foreign visitors traditionally make up nearly a quarter of their clientele. These international guests are particularly valuable as they tend to stay longer and spend more, providing a crucial revenue stream. However, the hospitality industry has been facing a challenging environment, with a noticeable drop in inbound travel during the past year.
Official figures for the first eleven months of 2025 reveal a 5.4 percent decline in international arrivals to the US, marking it as the only major global destination to experience such a slump. This downturn is especially pronounced among Canadian tourists, whose visits plummeted by 21.7 percent compared to 2024, resulting in approximately four million fewer travelers crossing the border. French visitors also decreased by nearly seven percent. Industry insiders attribute this decline to the political climate shaped by former President Donald Trump’s administration, which introduced stringent tariffs on imported goods, adopted a confrontational stance towards other nations, tightened immigration policies, and painted certain Democrat-led cities as unsafe due to crime concerns.
Atkeson highlights the sentiment among Canadian travelers, noting that many have consciously chosen to avoid traveling to the US as a form of protest or principle. He remarked, “Canadians were almost asked to become the 51st state,” reflecting the strained relations. Meanwhile, tourists from Brazil appear less restricted in their travel choices, often opting for destinations in Europe or island resorts instead of the US. This shift underscores the broader challenges the American hospitality sector faces in attracting diverse international visitors.
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, Nevada—a city renowned for its vast hospitality industry with 150,000 hotel rooms—the effects of the tourism slump are palpable. Elsa Rodan, a chambermaid at the Bellagio resort and casino, describes her workplace as relatively fortunate compared to others in the region. Nevertheless, even the Bellagio has had to reduce room rates to lure guests amid the competitive market. Rodan, who represents the Unite Here union, spoke at a press event in Washington, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger advocacy directed at the federal government. Unite Here President Gwen Mills echoed this call, warning that the current policies and rhetoric from the Trump administration threaten the livelihoods of over two million workers in the hospitality industry. She pointed out a pervasive atmosphere of apprehension among employers, who are hesitant to voice concerns openly.
The financial repercussions are stark. The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) reports a $6.7 billion revenue shortfall for Nevada hotels in 2025, driven by fewer visitors and shorter stays. Despite these setbacks, there is cautious optimism within the industry as attention turns to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19. Eleven US cities will serve as host venues for matches, presenting a unique opportunity to reinvigorate tourism nationwide. AHLA spokesperson Ralph Posner likened the event to hosting nearly 80 Super Bowls within just over a month, highlighting the massive scale and potential economic impact. He stressed that the benefits will extend beyond the host cities, as international fans are expected to travel between different markets, potentially boosting tourism across the country.
Las Vegas, for example, is positioning itself as a convenient stopover for fans traveling to games in cities like Los Angeles or Kansas City. Organizers anticipate that while stadiums will welcome around seven million spectators, the overall influx of tourists could reach between 20 to 30 million. The World Cup is projected to inject approximately $30 billion into the US economy, offering a much-needed lift for the struggling hospitality sector. Atkeson remains hopeful, noting that although his Miami hotel is currently undergoing renovations and cannot fully capitalize on the event, his Washington properties are leveraging their proximity to Philadelphia, one of the match locations, to attract visitors.
However, uncertainties remain, particularly due to escalating tensions in the Middle East following recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Such geopolitical developments could complicate international travel plans and dampen the anticipated surge in tourism. Atkeson acknowledged this risk, stating, “It’s a little too soon to tell how we’re going to do with that, but we’ll see.” As the hospitality industry braces for the months ahead, the World Cup represents a beacon of hope amid a challenging period marked by political and economic headwinds.
