Tourism to the United States is entering a rare slowdown.
The U.S. Travel Association projects overseas visitor numbers will fall from 72.4 million in 2024 to 67.9 million in 2025, marking the first decline since 2020, according to the group’s long-range forecast.
As certain travelers look elsewhere, global travel trends are shifting.
Travelers choosing destinations outside the U.S.
Reuters recently reported that foreign visitor spending in the U.S. is projected to decline by 7 percent next year, with travelers citing cost, entry rules, and political climate as reasons for selecting other destinations.
Australians, for example, are redirecting trips toward Japan and Vietnam according to traveler behavior data highlighted by News.com.au. This shift means more competitive pricing and increased tourism investment abroad, particularly in Asia.
Currency shifts are influencing where people go
The strong U.S. dollar continues to make American trips feel expensive for many international visitors. U.S. Travel Association data notes that the greatest inbound softness is coming from Canada, where the exchange rate has been unfavorable.
This is reinforcing a move toward destinations where their money stretches further, such as Southeast Asia, Portugal, and parts of Eastern Europe.
Travelers are choosing Mexico and the Caribbean
As interest in the U.S. softens, other destinations are seeing increased demand.
The Dominican Republic welcomed more than 7.1 million visitors in the first half of 2025, representing an uptick in tourism compared to last year, according to the Caribbean Journal.
Mexico also reported strong growth, with the country receiving approximately 3.95 million international tourists in January 2025, an 8.5% increase from January 2024, according to data published by Mexico’s tourism ministry.
Travelers may experience earlier booking cycles and potentially higher prices in Mexico and Caribbean resort markets, due to rising demand.
Longer trips are replacing quick getaways
American Express Travel’s global trend report reveals that travelers are now booking longer, more intentional trips rather than multiple short breaks.
This pattern is emerging across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Consider extending your stay for better per-night value and make that long-haul flight feel more worthwhile.
Emerging markets are fueling travel growth
India remains one of the fastest-growing contributors to outbound travel. The Economic Times reported record numbers of Indian travelers in 2024, with many trips directed toward destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Vietnam, and Bali, among others, which are experiencing high growth.
This surge is shaping flight availability and new route development worldwide. Travelers may notice more competitive pricing and new options in and out of these hubs.
Travelers actively seeking less crowded spots
Several forecasting groups, including analysts covering World Travel Market, point to a rising interest in secondary cities and lesser-known regions.
InsideHook’s travel predictions note that many travelers are bypassing heavily touristy places entirely in search of calmer, less crowded experiences.
For trip planning, this suggests growing opportunities in destinations such as Slovenia, northern Japan, lesser-known Greek islands, and inland Spain.
Upcoming mega-events reshape travel in 2026
The U.S. Travel Association notes that while 2025 is expected to see a decline, inbound interest is anticipated to recover in 2026 due to major global events, including the FIFA World Cup, which will be held across North America.
For travelers planning trips in 2026, this is worth watching now. Flight availability and hotel pricing in host regions will tighten earlier than usual.
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves is a Travel Journalist, Yahoo! Creator, MSN Partner, Society of American Travel Writers and North American Travel Journalists Association member, and the founder of Wander Worthy. She covers vacation destinations, travel news, and tourism trends.
