Home » Latest Travel News » Wisconsin Joins South Carolina, Montana, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Other States in Experiencing a Drastic Slump in International Overnight Visitor Arrivals Last Year: Everything You Need to Know
Published on
January 27, 2026
In 2025, Wisconsin joined South Carolina, Montana, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and several other states in facing a significant decline in international overnight visitor arrivals. This slump can be largely attributed to the sharp drop in Canadian tourism, which has long been a major source of international visitors for these states. As travel disruptions and border restrictions affected cross-border movement, Wisconsin and its counterparts saw noticeable reductions in hotel stays, local spending, and overall tourism activity. With international visitor numbers down, these states are now focused on diversifying their tourism strategies to attract visitors from new international markets and strengthen domestic travel. This article explores the reasons behind the decline and how these states are working to rebound in a changing tourism landscape.
Wisconsin: The Dairy State Faces a Setback
Wisconsin has seen a 13.1% year-over-year decline in international overnight visitors, with a large portion of this decrease tied to the drop in Canadian tourism. According to Tourism Economics, Wisconsin, home to the famous Wisconsin Dells and a wealth of natural attractions, has long been a favorite of Canadian travelers. The state’s picturesque lakes, vibrant festivals, and outdoor activities had drawn many international visitors, especially from across the northern border. However, with fewer Canadians making the trip south, Wisconsin’s tourism industry has been significantly impacted. The reduction in cross-border visitors has led to decreased hotel occupancy rates and lower spending in local businesses. Wisconsin’s challenge now is to diversify its tourism base by attracting visitors from other international markets. The state’s tourism leaders are working to promote Wisconsin as a destination for more than just Canadian visitors. Tourism Economics suggests that focusing on both the domestic market and international tourists from Europe and Asia could help the state recover from these losses and continue to thrive as a leading tourism destination.
South Carolina: A Dip in Southern Hospitality
South Carolina has witnessed a 17.4% year-over-year decline in international overnight visitors, according to Tourism Economics. Known for its charming coastal cities like Charleston and Myrtle Beach, the state had long been a popular destination for international travelers. However, the downturn in global travel, especially from Canada, has significantly impacted South Carolina’s tourism sector. Canadian tourists, who traditionally flock to the state’s picturesque beaches and historic sites, have been deterred by travel restrictions and shifting priorities. As a result, the state’s hospitality industry has seen a noticeable reduction in hotel stays, restaurant visits, and guided tours. The 17.4% drop in international visitors has reverberated through local economies, particularly in regions reliant on tourism for revenue. The decline highlights the vulnerability of regions dependent on cross-border travel, and South Carolina’s tourism leaders are now focusing on diversifying their markets to mitigate this dip. According to Tourism Economics, the state will need to tap into new international markets and bolster its domestic appeal to recover from the losses and regain its position as a top tourism destination.
Montana: The Big Sky Struggles
Montana, often known for its stunning national parks and wide-open spaces, has seen a 17.7% decrease in international overnight visitors for 2025, with much of this attributed to the drop in Canadian travelers. As per Tourism Economics, the state’s remote nature and reliance on outdoor tourism made it particularly susceptible to the downturn in cross-border travel. Popular attractions such as Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, which have traditionally drawn significant numbers of Canadian tourists, are now grappling with fewer international visitors. Montana’s tourism economy, which depends heavily on seasonal visitors, is feeling the impact of this decline. The reduction in Canadian arrivals has affected hotel bookings, tour operators, and local businesses that rely on tourist spending. The state, which once saw a steady stream of Canadian visitors seeking adventure in its vast wilderness, must now refocus its efforts on attracting travelers from other international markets. Tourism Economics suggests that expanding Montana’s appeal to tourists from Europe and Asia could help cushion the effects of the downturn and reinvigorate the local economy.
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Michigan: The Great Lakes’ Visitor Decline
Michigan has experienced a 13.1% decline in international overnight visitors in 2025, with a significant portion of this decline linked to reduced travel from Canada. According to Tourism Economics, Michigan, particularly its cities along the Great Lakes, has long attracted Canadian tourists with its natural beauty, diverse culture, and waterfront attractions. However, the recent contraction in Canadian arrivals has caused a noticeable dip in tourism activity. From Detroit’s vibrant cultural scene to the outdoor adventures in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the state has relied heavily on visitors from Canada. The decrease in Canadian travel has led to reduced hotel stays, fewer international business conferences, and a decline in visits to Michigan’s world-class museums and landmarks. Tourism Economics highlights that Michigan’s tourism sector must adapt by expanding its global outreach, targeting new markets from Asia and Europe. Diversifying the international visitor base and enhancing the state’s appeal to domestic travelers will be crucial for Michigan to recover and continue its tourism growth.
Rhode Island: A Small State with a Big Decline
Rhode Island, though the smallest state in the U.S., has felt a significant 12.1% decline in international overnight visitors, with the majority of this decrease stemming from the pullback in Canadian tourism. As reported by Tourism Economics, Rhode Island’s coastal charm, with its historic Newport mansions and stunning beaches, has traditionally been a favorite destination for Canadian tourists. However, the drop in Canadian travel has had a disproportionately large impact on this small state, where tourism is a vital part of the economy. The reduction in international visitors has led to lower occupancy rates in hotels, reduced spending in local shops and restaurants, and a decrease in overall tourist activity. Rhode Island’s tourism sector, heavily reliant on international visitors, must now focus on diversifying its markets. Tourism Economics suggests that the state’s tourism leaders should work to attract more visitors from Europe and Asia while continuing to promote its appeal to domestic tourists. The key to Rhode Island’s recovery will be maintaining its unique charm while expanding its reach to new international markets.
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Pennsylvania: The Keystone State’s Tourist Decline
Pennsylvania has experienced an 11.8% decline in international overnight visitors, with much of this drop attributed to the downturn in Canadian tourism. According to Tourism Economics, Pennsylvania’s rich history, vibrant cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and its picturesque landscapes have made it a popular destination for international travelers, especially Canadians. However, the recent contraction in Canadian travel has had a significant impact on the state’s tourism industry. With fewer Canadian visitors attending major events, exploring cultural landmarks, or enjoying the natural beauty of places like the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania’s hospitality sector has been hit hard. The state’s reliance on cross-border visitors has left it vulnerable to fluctuations in international travel. Tourism Economics suggests that Pennsylvania must diversify its tourism efforts, reaching out to international markets beyond Canada and enhancing its domestic tourism appeal. By expanding its global footprint and offering new experiences, Pennsylvania can overcome this setback and continue to thrive as a leading U.S. destination.
Tourism Decline Across US States: A Year of Setbacks
The U.S. has witnessed significant declines in international overnight visitors across multiple states. From the Northeast to the West, several states have reported steep drops, highlighting the impact of global travel disruptions, with many experiencing double-digit declines. Among the hardest hit were New Hampshire (-23.1%), Vermont (-22.6%), and North Dakota (-21.5%), showing some of the steepest year-over-year reductions in visitor arrivals.
Other states like Maine (-20.9%), Idaho (-18.1%), and Montana (-17.7%) also faced considerable losses, reflecting the vulnerability of both popular and remote destinations reliant on international tourism. Additionally, states like South Carolina (-17.4%), West Virginia (-17.0%), and Oregon (-16.1%) saw similar declines in international arrivals. Other states such as South Dakota (-15.5%), Washington (-15.3%), and Minnesota (-15.0%) faced noticeable, but relatively lower drops.
The downward trend extended across a variety of states, including Ohio (-13.9%), Alaska (-13.9%), North Carolina (-13.6%), and Wisconsin (-13.1%), with Michigan, Kentucky, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania also seeing a decline in international visitors by 11.8% to 12.5%. According to Tourism Economics, this data highlights a challenging period for the U.S. tourism industry, underscoring the need for adaptation and diversification in marketing strategies to counterbalance these losses and attract new international visitors.StateYear-over-Year Change (%)New Hampshire-23.1Vermont-22.6North Dakota-21.5Maine-20.9Idaho-18.1Montana-17.7South Carolina-17.4West Virginia-17.0Oregon-16.1South Dakota-15.5Washington-15.3Minnesota-15.0Ohio-13.9Alaska-13.9North Carolina-13.6Wisconsin-13.1Michigan-13.1Kentucky-12.5Rhode Island-12.1Pennsylvania-11.8
Wisconsin joins South Carolina, Montana, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and other states in experiencing a drastic slump in international overnight visitor arrivals, largely due to the decline in Canadian tourism last year.
Conclusion
Wisconsin joins South Carolina, Montana, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and other states in experiencing a drastic slump in international overnight visitor arrivals. This decline, largely driven by the reduction in Canadian tourism, has significantly impacted local economies and tourism-dependent businesses. As these states continue to navigate the challenges posed by reduced international visitors, efforts to diversify tourism markets and boost domestic travel will be essential. By targeting new international sources and enhancing the appeal of local attractions, these states can work towards recovering and sustaining their tourism sectors in the years ahead.
