U.S. inbound tourism decline continues into 2026

Weaker international demand raises concerns for travel recovery and future visitor spending

International travel to the United States started 2026 on a weak footing, with inbound tourism declining for the ninth consecutive month. Overseas arrivals dropped 4.2% in January compared with the previous year, remaining significantly below pre-pandemic levels. Several major source markets recorded declines, while policy uncertainty and shifting travel sentiment may further affect demand. Industry leaders remain cautiously optimistic but acknowledge ongoing headwinds.

Key takeaways

• Continued decline in arrivals: Overseas visitation fell 4.2% year over year in January, marking the ninth straight monthly drop.
• Below pre-pandemic levels: Visitor numbers reached only about 83.5% of 2019 volumes, indicating a slow recovery.
• Key markets weakening: Western Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania all recorded declines, with particularly steep drops from Asia and Africa.
• Major source countries affected: China, India, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom all saw reduced visitor numbers.
• Policy uncertainty impact: Proposed visa-related social media disclosure rules could deter travelers and potentially reduce tourism spending.
• Mixed outlook despite major events: Upcoming global events like the World Cup may boost demand, but early booking trends and industry reports remain cautious.

Source: ITA

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