According to NYC Tourism + Conventions, approximately 2 million international visitors will bypass New York City in 2025, a 14% decrease compared to last year. This decline is expected to severely impact the city's economy.

The Statue of Liberty in New York. Photo: Letz go city tours

The Statue of Liberty in New York. Photo: Letz go city tours

NYC Tourism + Conventions CEO Julie Coker explained that while international tourists comprise only 20% of total visitors, they contribute 50% of total tourism spending, making them vital to New York's economy. She estimates the total loss from this decline to be over 4 billion USD in direct spending.

After New York City's tourism industry announced a full post-Covid-19 recovery in 2024, many businesses anticipated a prosperous year. However, this summer's situation tells a different story.

Matt Levy, director of Spread Love Tours, attributes the decline to new US foreign policies and tariffs, particularly the strained relationship with Canada.

"The impact of tariffs under President Trump and the harsh rhetoric towards our northern neighbor have caused a real drop in tourism and revenue," Levy said, adding that he is currently "tightening his belt" and shifting focus to high-end clients to offset the losses.

Levy's company primarily serves student groups from Canada, a demographic that previously accounted for 30% of his revenue but has now plummeted by 85% in 2025. He predicts revenue from this market will reach "zero" in 2026.

Levy noted that parents and students still express interest in visiting, but school boards are resistant. They question why they should bring money to a country whose president dislikes them.

Tour guide K. Krombie, who organizes themed tours like "Death in New York" and "Central Park Scandals", has also seen a decline in revenue, attributing it to "political factors and the global financial impact of tariffs".

Meanwhile, Lori Pickhardt, a representative from Tours By Foot, suggests that the falling USD value could stimulate tourism, but she doesn't anticipate improvement within the next three years.

Christina Hansen, representing the horse-drawn carriage drivers association in Central Park, reports that their main clientele from the UK, Canada, Ireland, and Australia are "disappearing." She also notes a decrease in domestic tourists due to "economic instability, disruptions in the airline industry, and fears of terrorism."

Tourists take photos of the Statue of Liberty in New York, USA. Photo: TTG Asia

Tourists take photos of the Statue of Liberty in New York, USA. Photo: TTG Asia

Some major restaurants are also affected. The manager of an Applebee's branch in Midtown reports a revenue decrease of over 20% compared to last year. Staff at Hard Rock Cafe say this year's situation is not as good as last year's.

In response to this situation, NYC Tourism stated they will continue their global promotional campaign, targeting markets like Canada, Mexico, the UK, Western Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

"We maintain our spirit of hospitality and welcome international visitors back to New York City when they are ready," Coker said.

Tuan Anh (According to NYPost)