UPDATE: International tourism in Los Angeles has plunged by 8% this summer, translating to over 170,000 fewer visitors compared to last year, according to new data from Visit California. This alarming trend poses a significant threat to one of the state’s largest industries, raising urgent questions about the causes behind this decline.
Officials and experts point to several factors impacting tourism. The summer months saw a sharp drop in arrivals from Canada, which decreased by a staggering 32%. Tourists who do visit are spending less, as reported by Salim Osman of Ride Like A Star, an exotic car rental company on Hollywood Boulevard. He described a nearly 50% drop in foot traffic, stating, “It used to be shoulder to shoulder out here.”
The economic implications are severe. Key attractions, including the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, report a noticeable decline in visitors. Many businesses are struggling to keep afloat, with souvenir shops forced to raise prices due to tariffs and decreased sales. Yosemite National Park also noted a 50% decrease in bookings ahead of Memorial Day weekend, further illustrating the widespread impact on the state’s tourism economy.
The current image of America has contributed to this downturn, with international headlines highlighting destructive wildfires and immigration crackdowns. Australian tourist Geoffrey Mutton expressed concerns, saying, “A lot of people have had a changed view of America. They don’t want to come here and support this place.”
Political factors are also at play. Ron deHarte, Mayor of Palm Springs, cited President Trump’s tariff policies and immigration rhetoric as deterrents for international travelers, particularly from Canada. “We’ve hurt our Canadian friends with actions that the administration has taken. It’s understandable,” he said, adding that the future of Canadian tourism remains uncertain.
Despite these challenges, there is a surprising exception: arrivals from Mexico have risen by 5% over the last three months compared to 2024. Guillermo, a recent visitor from Mexico, shared his motivations for travel, emphasizing family connections and the allure of California’s attractions. “If there’s a deal, I’ll go,” he stated, highlighting the sensitive nature of travel decisions during these turbulent times.
As airlines reduce schedules amid ongoing economic pressures, the overall decrease in tourists is evident at Los Angeles area airports. Cynthia Guidry, director of Long Beach Airport, noted that rising costs and reduced traffic have compounded the issue.
WHAT’S NEXT: The tourism industry is watching closely to see if these trends continue into the fall season. Officials urge a reevaluation of policies that may be impacting international perceptions of travel to the United States. With tourism being a crucial economic driver, stakeholders are hopeful that conditions will improve soon.
The implications of this decline in tourism reach beyond just numbers; it affects local economies and the collective image of California as a welcoming destination. The industry must respond swiftly to restore its appeal to international visitors.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
