Home » TRAVEL NEWS » Canada Joins Mexico, Brazil, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Cuba in Hammering US Tourism in the Eleventh Month of the Year as 2025 Nears Its End: Everything You Need to Know
Published on
December 10, 2025
As 2025 nears its end, Canada joins Mexico, Brazil, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Cuba in hammering U.S. tourism. Economic challenges, safety concerns, and shifting travel habits explain the decline in these key markets. The downturn in Canadian visitors, coupled with similar trends from other nations, signals a significant change for the U.S. tourism industry, which has historically relied on these countries for a steady stream of visitors. From rising travel costs and local vacation options to geopolitical tensions and post-pandemic recovery issues, the reasons behind this decline are multifaceted. In response, the U.S. is working to adapt its strategies to retain these important markets. This article breaks down everything you need to know about how these declines are shaping U.S. tourism as the year draws to a close.
Canada’s Dip: Navigating the Decline in Our Neighbor’s Visits
The drop in Canadian visitors to the U.S. from 906,891 in November 2024 to 786,458 in November 2025 is a significant shift for the tourism industry. Factors like travel restrictions, economic challenges, and changing preferences are at play. To combat this, the U.S. is diversifying its tourism offerings and focusing on building stronger cross-border connections. However, Canada’s historical role as one of the U.S.’s top tourism markets means this decline matters — it affects both tourism revenues and bilateral relations, signaling a need for more strategic engagement.
Mexico’s Slowdown: Adjusting to Shifting Travel Trends
Mexican tourist arrivals to the U.S. decreased slightly from 498,972 in November 2024 to 477,453 in November 2025. This minor decline can be attributed to the appeal of local vacation options in Mexico, coupled with concerns over safety and U.S. immigration policies. In response, the U.S. is enhancing regional marketing strategies and offering special promotions for Mexican tourists. This matters because Mexico is a key source of U.S. tourism, and any downturn could significantly impact both the economy and the tourism industry.
Brazil’s Setback: Economic Strain and Changing Travel Habits
Tourism from Brazil to the U.S. saw a drop from 155,027 in November 2024 to 146,123 in November 2025, reflecting broader economic challenges. The rising cost of international travel, driven by inflation and a weaker Brazilian real, has made trips to the U.S. more expensive. In response, the U.S. is reaching out with targeted campaigns and incentives for Latin American tourists. This decline is important because Brazil has been a major contributor to U.S. tourism, and the U.S. must innovate to retain this key market amidst economic hurdles.
Jamaica’s Falloff: Competing for the Caribbean Traveler
Jamaican tourist arrivals to the U.S. dropped from 40,069 in November 2024 to 31,888 in November 2025, a reflection of the larger trend of declining Caribbean tourism. Economic pressures, changing travel preferences, and stiff competition from other Caribbean destinations all play a role in this decline. The U.S. tourism industry is responding by creating tailored, culturally resonant experiences to lure back Caribbean travelers. This decline is significant because the U.S. faces increasing competition from neighboring islands and must stay ahead to maintain its dominance in the Caribbean market.
Bahamas’ Decline: Is the U.S. Losing Its Island Appeal?
Tourism from the Bahamas to the U.S. fell from 36,698 in November 2024 to 34,196 in November 2025. The rise of alternative vacation spots within the Caribbean and the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic have made U.S. travel less appealing to Bahamian visitors. In response, the U.S. is improving its travel infrastructure and crafting compelling incentives for Bahamian tourists. This matters because it highlights the shifting preferences of the Bahamian market, and the U.S. must adapt quickly to maintain its appeal as a prime destination for island residents.
Cuba’s Travel Tumble: Politics and Restrictions Impact Tourism
Cuba saw a notable decline in U.S. tourist arrivals, from 30,466 in November 2024 to 22,844 in November 2025. The decrease is largely due to U.S. travel restrictions, political tensions, and a slow recovery from the pandemic. The U.S. tourism sector is actively seeking diplomatic solutions to ease restrictions and is offering targeted promotions to encourage Cuban travel. This decline matters because it reflects the broader impact of geopolitical challenges and underscores the importance of restoring travel relations to benefit U.S. tourism and strengthen ties with Cuba.
As 2025 nears its end, Canada joins Mexico, Brazil, Jamaica, Bahamas, and Cuba in hammering U.S. tourism. Economic challenges, safety concerns, and shifting travel habits explain the decline in these key markets.
Conclusion
As 2025 comes to a close, the decline in U.S. tourism from key markets like Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Cuba highlights the significant challenges facing the industry. Economic difficulties, safety concerns, and shifting travel habits have all played a role in this downturn, impacting both the volume of visitors and the tourism revenues that these countries traditionally contribute. With Canada joining the list of nations seeing a drop in tourist arrivals, the U.S. must find innovative ways to address these issues, from offering targeted promotions to enhancing cross-border relationships. As the U.S. tourism sector navigates these changes, strategic efforts to re-engage these important markets will be critical in ensuring future growth and stability in the industry.
