The United States is gearing up for a major tourism boom in 2025, with international visitor numbers expected to reach 77.1 million, according to the latest National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) forecast.
This marks a 6.5% increase from 2024, signaling strong global demand for travel to the U.S.
By 2026, the number of visitors is projected to surpass 85 million, exceeding pre-pandemic levels for the first time since 2019. By 2029, the U.S. is expected to welcome nearly 97 million international travelers, highlighting long-term growth and recovery in the travel industry.
Strong Growth from Key International Markets
International arrivals to the U.S. in 2024 rebounded significantly, reaching 91% of 2019 levels. The latest forecast indicates that the upward trend will continue, with different countries recovering at varying paces.
- India and Italy have already surpassed their pre-pandemic travel numbers and are expected to continue their strong momentum into 2025.
- Germany, France, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada are forecasted to fully recover by 2026, with Mexico already reaching 93% of 2019 levels in 2024.
- The United Kingdom, Australia, China, South Korea, and Japan will take longer, with projections showing full recovery by 2027 or later.
Among the standout performers, India’s visitor numbers surged by 552% from 2020 to 2024, making it the fourth-largest source market for U.S. inbound travel. Meanwhile, China’s recovery is accelerating, with a 38.9% increase expected in 2025 after a strong rebound in 2024.
The Road to 90 Million Visitors by 2027
One of the major milestones set by the 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy was to attract 90 million international visitors to the U.S. by 2027, generating $279 billion in spending across the country. The latest NTTO forecast confirms that this goal is well within reach, with numbers expected to hit 90.1 million in 2027 and continue growing.
Several factors are driving this growth:
- Increasing airline connectivity with more direct flights from key markets like India, Brazil, and China.
- Eased visa processing times in several countries, reducing barriers for travelers.
- Strengthening economies in key tourism markets, increasing outbound travel demand.
Tourism’s Economic Impact on the U.S.
The rising number of international visitors is set to boost the U.S. economy significantly. Travel and tourism remain a key contributor to the nation’s GDP, with spending from international tourists supporting millions of jobs in hospitality, retail, and transportation.
With the travel industry regaining momentum, destinations across the U.S. are preparing for the surge. From iconic cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Orlando to emerging hotspots such as Austin and Nashville, American tourism is on track for a record-breaking decade.
A Shifting Landscape for Canadian Travel
While international visitation to the U.S. is on the rise, Canadian travel trends tell a different story. New U.S. tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump are reshaping travel habits, leading to a sharp 40% drop in bookings to U.S. destinations in February 2025 compared to the same month in 2024.
Moreover, Trump’s travel ban appears to be making a comeback. Although the potentially affected countries are not among the U.S.’s primary source markets, the ban, which targets Muslim-majority nations, could still have an impact on Muslim travelers living or residing in key international markets. This policy shift may influence travel sentiment and long-term visitor trends, particularly from countries with significant Muslim populations who frequently travel to the U.S. for business, education, and tourism.
What do you think about these tourism projections? Are you planning a trip to the U.S. soon? Let us know in the comments!
