Fewer Foreign Tourists Are Visiting NYC — And The City Is Feeling The Pinch

New York City — New York’s vibrant streets are a bit quieter these days, and it’s not just because of the usual ebb and flow of tourists. The city is noticing a significant drop in foreign visitors, and local businesses and guides are starting to feel the impact.

“There’s a worldwide fear about what’s happening in the U.S.,” says Bill Martin, an Australian traveler currently touring New York on an open-air bus. On his six-week journey from Tokyo to Vancouver, with a stop in NYC, Martin has heard the same concerns from fellow tourists around the globe.

“People worry about getting into the U.S.,” he explains. “There’s a real doubt about whether they’ll be allowed in, and that makes them consider other destinations.”

Political Climate Fuels Travel Anxiety

It’s not just casual tourists who feel the heat. Eman Moretti, an Italian student studying in the U.S., shares that President Trump’s tough immigration policies have made his family hesitant to visit him in New York.

“It was a bit harder for them to come,” Moretti says, walking through Times Square with his family. “You never know if they’ll get through customs. It feels like a hostile environment.”

Javier Muenala from Ecuador agrees. “Your visa could be canceled,” he says bluntly. “That risk scares many people away.”

The Numbers Tell the Story

This anxiety is reflected in the data. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, international travelers are expected to spend $12.5 billion less in the U.S. this year.

For cities that rely heavily on tourism dollars, this drop is painful. New York City, the top U.S. destination for international visitors, is expected to host 2 million fewer international tourists in 2025 than it did in 2024 — a 17% decline, according to New York City Tourism + Conventions CEO Julie Coker.

“International visitors make up only 20% of our total tourists but account for 50% of visitor spending,” Coker says. “We were hoping to hit pre-Covid levels this year, so this slowdown is really disappointing.”

Canadians Are Staying Home — And It’s Hurting NYC

Historically, more Canadians visit the U.S. than any other nationality. But recent political tensions are causing many Canadians to reconsider.

Matt Levy, owner of Spread Love Tours, which offers customized New York tours, has seen business slow, especially among Canadian student groups.

“Canadians are choosing places like Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Vancouver instead,” Levy says. “They’re spending money in their own country.”

He adds that Canadian travel agents have warned clients away from the U.S., citing tariffs and political rhetoric — including Trump’s controversial comments about making Canada the 51st state.

“If this political climate doesn’t improve, 2026 could be even tougher,” Levy warns. “Forty percent of my business depends on Canadian visitors, and they’re staying home.”

Tour Guides and Small Businesses Feel the Impact

Renée Rewiski, a New York City tour guide for over 10 years, says the slowdown is the worst she’s seen since the Covid pandemic.

“This time last year, I’d have 20 people on a tour; now I have five,” she says while leading a small group through lower Manhattan. “Fewer people, fewer countries represented.”

Rewiski worries that if the trend continues, jobs in the tourism industry could be at risk.

“It’s not the policymakers or politicians who lose out—it’s people like me and my colleagues,” she says. “The folks who rely on tourism every day are the ones feeling the pain.”

Hope on the Horizon

Despite these challenges, optimism remains. NYC Tourism + Conventions is running an international campaign called “With Love + Liberty, New York City” to remind travelers that the city is open and welcoming.

Coker points to upcoming events — like the 2026 World Cup nearby in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and the U.S.’s 250th anniversary celebration next summer — as opportunities to bring international visitors back.

“We’ve hit a bump in the road,” she says, “but New York City is here, ready and waiting for you whenever you decide to visit.”

Bottom Line: NYC Still Has Its Magic — And It Wants You Back

So, if you’re thinking about a trip, remember: New York City’s doors are wide open. The concerns around travel may feel daunting, but the city’s iconic energy, culture, and warmth remain as strong as ever. Whether you’re an art lover, foodie, or first-time visitor, NYC is ready to welcome you back with open arms.