Trump Tariffs Trigger Global Dip in U.S. Travel Demand, Trivago Data Shows

 United States Of America ,May 27, 2025The imposition of sweeping U.S. trade tariffs under President Donald Trump is being felt beyond boardrooms and trade corridors—tourism data now suggests it is also reshaping global travel patterns.

According to findings from hotel search platform Trivago, several key international markets are turning away from the United States as a preferred destination, with booking activity showing significant declines in countries most affected by recent tariff policies.

Trivago reports double-digit drops in hotel searches for U.S. destinations from travellers in Japan, Canada, and Mexico—nations that were early targets of the Trump administration’s tariff regime. On February 1, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on a range of goods from Canada and Mexico, sparking sharp political reactions and, now, what some are calling a “tourism backlash.”

In Canada, public sentiment turned particularly sour after repeated remarks by President Trump suggesting the country might benefit from becoming the 51st U.S. state—comments widely seen as condescending and inflammatory. Trivago’s data, shared with PA Media, indicates demand from German travellers has also dropped, though more modestly, with single-digit declines. Germany, the EU’s largest economy, has been repeatedly threatened with tariff hikes, including a now-paused 50% levy Trump had scheduled for next month.

While the UK has so far been spared the brunt of tariff pressures—and recently signed a “breakthrough” trade agreement with the U.S.—British travel behavior is still shifting. Trivago notes a 25% year-on-year increase in domestic travel interest for the peak summer period (July to September), a trend echoed in the U.S. as well.

“In times of uncertainty, people stay closer to home,” said Johannes Thomas, CEO of Trivago. He added that concerns over economic volatility appear to be driving more consumers to opt for affordable and familiar destinations.

Preliminary figures released by the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office show that international visitation to the United States fell 11.6% in March compared to the same period last year, underscoring broader industry concerns about what many are dubbing a “Trump slump” in inbound tourism.

Trivago’s platform data also reveals that American travellers are cutting back—spending less overall and increasingly choosing lower-cost accommodations, including budget hotels and properties with lower star ratings.

Despite broad global tariff coverage—over 180 countries in total—President Trump has temporarily paused many of these measures for up to 90 days while individual governments negotiate exemptions or trade deals.

In the UK, London remains the top domestic destination for holidaymakers, followed by Edinburgh, where demand has surged nearly 30%. York, Blackpool, and Manchester round out the top five, according to Trivago.

As trade tensions continue to cast uncertainty across global markets, the ripple effects on tourism highlight yet another dimension of how protectionist policy may be influencing consumer behavior—and reshaping the global travel landscape.