Booking Kink in March
european Travel to U.S. Plummets amid Trump’s “Aggressive Rhetoric”
A sharp decline in European travel to the United States is raising concerns within the tourism and airline industries, with some experts attributing the drop to President Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
Significant Drop in Arrivals
Figures from the International Trade Management, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, reveal a substantial decrease in arrivals to the U.S. involving at least a one-night stay. The Financial Times first reported on these statistics.
in March 2025, several Western European countries experienced declines exceeding 30%. Luxembourg saw the most significant drop at 44%, followed by Iceland (36.6%) and Denmark (34.5%). Though, these countries represent relatively small numbers of travelers, with approximately 1,200, 3,000, and 15,000 arrivals, respectively.
Germany, a major source of European travelers, experienced a 28.5% decrease, with arrivals falling to just under 131,000. Similar declines were observed in switzerland and Austria, according to the data.
Industry Experts Weigh In
Adam Sacks, head of Tourism Economics, a forecasting and consulting firm, suggested to the Financial Times that the shift of Easter travel from April in 2024 to March in 2025 could partially explain the decline.However, Sacks added that data from U.S. airports and land crossings from Canada indicate “something clearly happens… and it is indeed a reaction to Trump,” citing the president’s “aggressive rhetoric” toward the EU, Greenland, and Canada.
Paul English, co-founder of Kayak, offered a more direct assessment. He accused President Trump of having “destroyed the United States’ reputation” in just two months,as evidenced by the decline in travel from the EU to the USA.
Hotel Chains Feeling the Impact
Sébastien Bazin, head of the French-based international hotel giant Accor, told Bloomberg News in early April that bookings from European travelers in the United States were down 25% for the summer.
Airlines Brace for Impact
The decline in European travel poses a significant challenge for airlines, as the North Atlantic route is a crucial and highly profitable market for both European and U.S. carriers.
European Travel to the U.S. Declines: A Q&A
What’s Happening with European Travel to the United States?
A sharp decline in European travel to the U.S. is impacting the tourism and airline industries. Experts are pointing to both economic factors and political ones, specifically the policies and rhetoric of President Donald Trump during the timeframe of the article’s data.
How Significant is the Drop in European Arrivals?
Figures from the U.S.Department of Commerce’s International Trade Management division show a considerable decrease in arrivals from Europe to the U.S. involving at least a one-night stay. The Financial Times was the original source of this data.
Which European Countries experienced the Biggest Declines?
In March 2025, several Western European countries saw significant drops in arrivals.
Luxembourg: 44% decrease
Iceland: 36.6% decrease
Denmark: 34.5% decrease
Did Larger European Countries See a Decline?
Yes, Germany, a major source of European travelers, experienced a 28.5% decrease in arrivals. Switzerland and Austria also saw declines.
What Are the Numbers Behind These Declines?
While some countries like Luxembourg, Iceland, and Denmark saw the largest percentage decreases, the total number of travelers from these countries is relatively small. Here’s a breakdown of the arrival numbers:
Luxembourg: Approximately 1,200 arrivals
Iceland: Approximately 3,000 arrivals
Denmark: Approximately 15,000 arrivals
Germany: Arrivals fell to just under 131,000
Were There Other Factors Contributing to the Decline,Besides Politics?
Adam Sacks,head of Tourism Economics,suggested that the shift of Easter travel from April 2024 to March 2025 may have partially contributed to the decline.
What Do Industry Experts Say About the Decline?
Industry experts have offered varied perspectives on the reasons behind the drop:
Adam Sacks (Tourism Economics): Suggested the shift in the Easter travel dates in 2025 might have had an effect. He also mentioned that data showed travel declines extended to those crossing land borders from Canada, and alluded to the impact of rhetoric from the president at the time, especially toward the EU, Greenland, and Canada.
* paul English (Kayak co-founder): Directly attributed the decline to the former president’s actions. He accused the former president of having “destroyed the United States’ reputation.”
Did Hotel Chains Feel the Impact of the Decline?
Yes, Sébastien Bazin, head of the international hotel giant Accor, reported that bookings from European travelers in the United States were down 25% for the summer, as stated to Bloomberg News in early April.
How Does This Decline Affect Airlines?
The decline in european travel presents a significant challenge for airlines. The North Atlantic route is a crucial and highly profitable market for both European and U.S. carriers.
Summary of the Decline in European Travel to U.S.
Here’s a summary table of the travel declines:
| Country | Percentage Decrease (March 2025) | Approximate Arrivals (March 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg | 44% | 1,200 |
| Iceland | 36.6% | 3,000 |
| denmark | 34.5% | 15,000 | Germany | 28.5% | Under 131,000 |