Trump Policies Could Cause U.S. Travel Slump: Exclusive Skift Research Survey

International travelers are becoming increasingly cautious about visiting the United States and politics may be the reason why.

A new Skift Research survey reveals that nearly half (46%) of international travelers across five key countries are less likely to travel to the U.S. due to Donald Trump’s presidency, citing concerns about political climate, safety, and restrictive policies.

Key Insights from the Survey
    •    Top Reason for Avoiding the U.S.: Politics
    •    63% of respondents who are unlikely to visit said their decision is directly linked to the current political environment.
    •    Concerns go beyond party lines, touching on global image, safety, and inclusivity.
    •    Strongest Negative Sentiment by Country
    •    Canada: 62% of respondents said they’re less likely to visit.
    •    Germany: 59% expressed similar reluctance.
    •    Other countries surveyed included India, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
    •    Policy Impact Goes Beyond Tourism
    •    While visa restrictions were the most influential factor (37%), other concerns included:
    •    Trump’s behavior and rhetoric (35%)
    •    Economic policies like tariffs (28%)
    •    Political Divide Still Exists But It’s Telling
    •    Liberal respondents showed the widest gap in negative sentiment (–29% net likelihood of visiting).
    •    Even among conservative respondents, there was a net negative sentiment (–11%).
    •    Higher-Income Travelers Less Affected
    •    Travelers earning $150,000 or more were slightly more likely to visit the U.S., showing a +5% net positive sentiment.
    •    This suggests that wealthier demographics are somewhat insulated from political concerns.

What This Means for the U.S. Travel Industry

This data paints a clear picture: American politics is now a major consideration in global travel decisions. While national parks and attractions remain open, the political tone from the top may be turning travelers away more than any single destination-based factor.

With 2025 shaping up to be a pivotal year politically, the impact of Trump’s policies both proposed and in place could reshape the face of inbound tourism in a way not seen before.

Final Thought

The U.S. may still be a dream destination for many but dreams can fade when the welcome feels uncertain.