New York City Tourism Sees a Steep Decline in 2025, But the Upcoming FIFA World Cup Offers a Glimmer of Hope for Recovery in USA

Published on
October 27, 2025

New York City, known as the city that never sleeps, is currently facing a troubling decline in its tourism numbers, marking a significant shift in its post-pandemic recovery. In 2024, the Big Apple welcomed a record 13 million international visitors, signaling a surge in tourism as the world adjusted to life after the pandemic. However, as 2025 unfolds, a shift in global travel dynamics, rising costs, and ongoing trade tensions are contributing to a 17% drop in overseas arrivals. Projections indicate that international tourist numbers in New York City may fall to 12.1 million in 2025, significantly impacting the city’s economy, potentially resulting in losses of up to $4 billion. The root causes of this decline are multifaceted, including inflation, higher travel costs, and strained international relations.

This article explores the factors behind New York City’s tourism slowdown, the projected economic impacts, and the city’s efforts to bounce back in the coming years. Despite the decline, New York City is eyeing a potential revival through major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hoping to restore its tourism numbers and global reputation.

New York City Faces Tourism Decline in 2025 Amid Rising Costs and Trade Tensions

New York City, once a bustling hub for international tourists, is seeing a sharp decline in overseas visitors in 2025. The city, famous for its iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and Broadway, has experienced a noticeable slowdown in tourism. Here’s an overview of the factors contributing to the decline in tourist numbers:

Declining International Visitors: Projections indicate that New York City will see a 17% drop in international visitors this year, with a total of 12.1 million expected, compared to 13 million in 2024. This decline is part of a broader trend affecting the U.S. tourism industry.Rising Costs: Increased travel expenses, driven by inflation and rising import taxes under the Trump administration, have made New York City a more expensive destination. Visitors from major markets, like Canada, France, and the UK, are spending less due to higher costs for everything from accommodation to dining.Trade Tensions and Tariffs: The ongoing trade wars and tariffs have inflated costs on imported goods, making everyday expenses like food, drinks, and souvenirs more expensive for tourists. A simple coffee that once cost $3 now costs $5, adding to the overall cost burden for budget-conscious travelers.Deteriorating Image of the U.S. Abroad: Tensions in U.S. foreign policy, especially under President Trump’s leadership, have also played a role in deterring travelers from key international markets. Trade wars, travel bans, and visa delays have all contributed to a less welcoming image of the United States abroad.Impact of Economic Slowdown on New York City’s Tourism

The tourism slowdown in New York City is part of a broader economic trend affecting the U.S. and beyond. Tourism is a key economic driver for the city, contributing significantly to local businesses, jobs, and cultural activities. With fewer international visitors, the impact is being felt across multiple sectors:

Economic Losses: The projected decline in tourism is expected to lead to significant economic losses, with estimates suggesting a hit of $4 billion to the local economy. This decline is putting a strain on businesses that rely heavily on tourism revenue, such as hotels, restaurants, theaters, and transportation services.Job Losses: The drop in tourist numbers is also likely to result in job losses, particularly in the service and hospitality sectors. New York’s tourism industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, and a reduction in tourist spending may result in layoffs or reduced hours for workers in hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses.Decrease in Hotel and Restaurant Revenues: As the number of international tourists shrinks, many hotels and restaurants are seeing fewer reservations and dining customers. The once-bustling areas around Times Square and Broadway are now quieter, with fewer people filling restaurant tables or attending theater shows.Social and Political Factors Affecting Tourism to New York City

While rising costs and trade tensions have undoubtedly impacted New York City’s tourism numbers, social and political factors also play a significant role. The global political climate, particularly in the U.S., has led to growing hesitancy among international travelers:

Political Backlash: Tensions between the U.S. and its international allies, coupled with a series of controversial policies under President Trump’s administration, have contributed to a less welcoming atmosphere for travelers. Social media posts, political speeches, and policies that have labeled certain countries as “freeloaders” or have imposed travel bans have contributed to the sense that the U.S. is less open to tourists.Travel Restrictions and Visa Delays: Long visa processing times, some stretching to 400 days, have also made it more difficult for travelers to visit the U.S. These delays are particularly noticeable for tourists coming from countries like China, India, and certain European nations. Such delays discourage potential visitors from planning trips to the U.S., including New York City.Cultural Shifts: International tourists may also be hesitant to visit the U.S. due to the overall tone of the country’s political discourse. Perceptions of hostility toward certain international groups, the focus on domestic issues, and the rise of nationalism have made some potential visitors reconsider their travel plans.New York City Tourism Outlook: The FIFA World Cup as a Resurgence Opportunity

Despite the current slowdown, New York City is actively looking ahead to the future, with hopes pinned on events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup to revive the city’s tourism. The World Cup, one of the largest global sporting events, will bring thousands of international visitors to the U.S., and New York City is expected to play a significant role in the festivities:

FIFA World Cup Boost: The World Cup is projected to bring an influx of international visitors, with estimates suggesting that the event will generate $3.3 billion for the New York-New Jersey economy. The event will attract half a million visitors, creating up to 10,000 new jobs in the region. This increase in tourism is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the city’s economy.Improvements to Infrastructure: As part of the World Cup preparations, New York City is investing in infrastructure improvements, including enhanced transit options and the creation of fan zones for events. These upgrades will benefit not only visitors during the World Cup but also the city’s long-term tourism prospects.Marketing Campaigns: To bolster tourism efforts, New York City is ramping up its marketing efforts, launching campaigns such as “Where the World Comes to Play.” The $50 million campaign targets key international markets, particularly Europe and Asia, and includes expedited visa processes, tariff-free travel packages, and promotional campaigns aimed at attracting tourists to the city.Looking Beyond the Numbers: New York City’s Resilience and Long-Term Strategy

New York City has a history of bouncing back from adversity, whether it was the aftermath of 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, or other challenging times. The city’s resilience and adaptability are key factors in its ability to recover from downturns in tourism. While 2025 may be a year of slower growth, the outlook for the future remains positive:

A Vibrant Cultural Scene: New York City remains one of the world’s premier cultural and entertainment hubs. Its world-class museums, theaters, restaurants, and vibrant neighborhoods continue to attract both domestic and international tourists. Despite the current slowdown, the city’s cultural offerings are still its strongest asset.Local Businesses Adapting: New York’s local businesses are also working to adapt to the changing tourism landscape. Smaller businesses, like cafes and shops, are finding new ways to attract local visitors while catering to the needs of international tourists. Innovation in the tourism sector, including more personalized experiences and smaller, more intimate tours, is helping to fill the gap left by the decline in large tour groups.New York’s Ever-Present Appeal: While tourist numbers may be down, New York City’s core appeal—its iconic landmarks, cultural diversity, and unique energy—remains intact. As the city continues to rebuild its tourism sector, these timeless qualities will ensure that the city remains a top destination for visitors worldwide.Conclusion

New York City is facing a challenging period in its tourism industry, with a projected decline in international visitors due to rising costs, trade tensions, and political factors. However, the city is taking proactive steps to address these issues and is looking forward to major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup to restore its global tourism appeal. As New York City works to overcome these challenges, its resilience and rich cultural offerings will continue to attract visitors from around the world. Despite the current downturn, the city remains poised for recovery, and its tourism sector is expected to bounce back in the coming years.