This summer, digitally savvy travelers across Europe are hitting pause on their American road trips. A recent report from a British tourism consultancy reveals a 10% drop in European bookings to the US, signaling a shift in global travel patterns.
Key figures from Tourism Economics (part of Oxford Economics) illustrate the downturn:
- May 2024 inbound bookings to the US are down 9.5% year-on-year.
- June projections dipped 10.8%.
- July outlook shows a 13% decline.
- Canadian flight bookings for May–July fell a steep 33%.
Looking ahead, the firm forecasts an 8.7% decline in international arrivals to the US in 2025 and a $8.5 billion drop in visitor spending, down 4.7% from last year.
Experts point to several factors driving this trend: tariff policies affecting the EU and Canada, well-publicized border incidents, and national advisories warning of travel risks. "These declines mark a stark contrast to our prior expectations for a continuation of post-pandemic growth this year," notes the report.
For entrepreneurs, students, and digital nomads plotting their next adventure, this downturn highlights emerging opportunities in alternative destinations. Whether it’s the historic streets of Lisbon, the vibrant markets of Bangkok, or eco-friendly retreats in Costa Rica, global citizens are exploring new horizons.
As the travel landscape evolves, one thing is clear: young globetrotters are redefining the map of must-see summer hotspots.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
