- NYC Tourism + Conventions projects 64.1M visitors in 2025, a drop of 3.5M from earlier estimates.
- International tourism is expected to fall by 17%, largely attributed to Trump’s tariffs and immigration restrictions.
- The city’s hospitality sector is already seeing economic uncertainty, though hotel occupancy remains steady for now.
Tourism Tumbles
New York City’s tourism agency has slashed its 2025 projections, warning of a steep decline in visitors following President Donald Trump’s recently enacted tariffs and immigration policies. The revised figure of 64.1M visitors is down from the 67.6M forecast in December—a significant recalibration for the country’s most-visited city, per the Commercial Observer.
International Impact
The biggest losses are expected among international tourists. The city now predicts just 12.1M foreign visitors in 2025, a 17% drop from earlier estimates and a 6% decline from 2024 levels. Tourism experts say this reflects a broader trend triggered by the administration’s economic policies and strained international relations.
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Economic Fallout
Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, pointed to the “effects of tariffs on prices and disposable income” as major deterrents for travelers. Canadian travel to the US is notably down, with Air Canada reporting a double-digit drop in bookings and lower revenue from US-bound flights.
Ripple Effects in Hospitality
Despite steady hotel occupancy levels—still hovering around 85%—the broader hospitality sector is showing signs of strain. Trump’s tariffs have created investment uncertainty and slowed down hotel development. Major tourist landmarks are also feeling the pressure; the Empire State Building observatory saw ticket sales slow in Q1 2025, with Empire State Realty Trust citing both “bad weather” and a “shifting political environment.”
Why It Matters
Tourism is a major economic driver for New York City, and international visitors typically spend more than domestic travelers. Any sustained downturn could have far-reaching implications for hotels, retail, restaurants, and city tax revenue.
Looking Ahead
While hotel rates continue to rise for now, analysts warn that prolonged policy uncertainty could erode both visitor sentiment and investor confidence. With international arrivals declining and domestic travel also softening, the city’s tourism-dependent sectors face a challenging road ahead.
