Europeans cancel trips to US amid Trump’s immigration policies
- President Trump's immigration policies are causing many Europeans to rethink their planned trips to the United States.
- Countries such as Denmark and Germany reported significant declines in the number of travelers heading to the US, resulting in a decrease in searches for US travel.
- The political climate and associated policies have convinced a portion of Europeans to cancel their trips, leading to increased focus on alternative destinations like Canada.
In light of recent policies under President Donald Trump, many Europeans are reconsidering their travel plans to the United States. Protests against his behavior and decisions have manifested significantly in nations like Denmark and Germany, leading to a noticeable decline in visitor numbers. Specifically, data from the US National Travel and Tourism Office indicated a 1 percent drop year-on-year in February 2025, signifying a marked change from the previous year when numbers had risen by 14 percent during the same period. This decline was exacerbated by 26 percent fewer travelers from Slovenia and reductions in visits from other European countries such as Germany and Switzerland. The response from travelers has been dramatic, with several individuals publicly stating their intent to cancel trips due to President Trump's increasingly controversial policies, particularly concerning immigration. For example, some Danish nationals have expressed their discontent with remarks regarding Greenland, further fueling the sentiment to avoid the US in favor of alternative destinations like Canada. German travel agency America Unlimited noted that Germans are preferring vacations in Canada as a form of solidarity against Trump's administration. Travelers are feeling unsettled by the political climate and the stricter border controls that have become synonymous with Trump's presidency, leading to increased scrutiny and fear around travel to America. In addition to individuals cancelling trips, social media reactions have amplified these sentiments, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where users criticize the inhumane treatment of detainees under the ICE's policies. One Canadian user canceled their plans to the US after witnessing reports of deplorable conditions in detention centers, with some paralleling the situation to more oppressive regimes around the world. Such comparisons illustrate the growing unease about personal safety and civil rights issues associated with travel to America. Travel agencies are reporting a shift in demand, redirecting advertisements to other destinations as trends indicate a marked decline in interest for the US as a travel destination. The economic implications of this trend could be significant given that international visitors typically spend more than domestic travelers, highlighting the duality of the issue. As European nations begin to issue travel advisories and monitor US immigration policies more closely, the travel landscape looks set to transform in the coming months, pushing potential visitors elsewhere. The prolonged impact of political rhetoric and policy on tourism reveals the interconnectedness of global travel dynamics and international relations.