The United States is experiencing a sharp fall in international arrivals this year, with major travel partners including Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, Cuba, Barbados, and the Bahamas all reporting significant downturns in outbound tourism. The record drop in 2025 marks one of the steepest declines in cross-border travel in recent years, underscoring shifting global dynamics in tourism and economic behavior.
Experts attribute this decline to a complex mix of economic pressures, policy changes, and evolving travel preferences, which have disrupted long-standing tourism flows to the U.S. The slowdown follows years of robust recovery after the pandemic, when many of these nations had driven record visitor numbers to American destinations.
Mexico’s Decline Signals Wider Trend
Once a powerhouse of outbound travel to the U.S., Mexico saw its visitor numbers fall dramatically this year despite strong showings in early 2025. While March saw over 1 million Mexican travelers, subsequent months reflected a downward trajectory as currency fluctuations, tighter budgets, and shifting tourism patterns began to take effect.
Canada and the Caribbean Follow Suit
Canada, traditionally one of the most consistent sources of U.S. visitors, also recorded a notable reduction, with summer peaks in June and July unable to offset broader declines across the year. Similarly, Caribbean nations — including Jamaica, Cuba, Barbados, and the Bahamas — reported fewer travelers heading north, reversing their steady pre-pandemic rebound.
For example, Jamaica’s numbers slipped despite July’s strong showing of over 66,000 visitors, while Cuba saw fewer than 31,000 travelers in August, far below previous summer peaks. Smaller nations such as Barbados and the Bahamas also experienced dips, suggesting a region-wide contraction in outbound tourism.
Global Factors Reshaping Travel
Economists point to several contributing factors: slower global economic growth, rising airfare and accommodation costs, and geopolitical instability influencing travel sentiment. In addition, new visa processing delays, tighter border checks, and a stronger U.S. dollar have made trips to the U.S. less appealing or affordable for many international tourists.
The downturn also reflects changing traveler priorities, with more people choosing regional or alternative destinations that offer better value or fewer restrictions.
Impact on U.S. Tourism
The U.S. tourism industry, which heavily relies on visitors from its North American neighbors and the Caribbean, faces renewed pressure to adapt. Analysts warn that unless measures are taken to diversify inbound tourism sources and modernize travel policies, the U.S. risks losing its position as a leading global destination.
Conclusion
As Mexico joins Canada, Jamaica, Cuba, Barbados, and the Bahamas in registering steep declines in 2025, the U.S. finds itself at the center of a global travel rebalancing. Economic uncertainty, changing tourist preferences, and logistical barriers are reshaping international tourism — a reminder that even established travel corridors must evolve to remain resilient in an era of shifting global priorities.