Europe Leads May’s U.S. Tourism Slide

Key Points

• Overseas tourism to the U.S. dropped 6.5% in May, with inbound travel still below pre-pandemic levels.
• The sharpest declines came from Western Europe, Africa, and Oceania, while only the Middle East and South America saw increases.
• Despite the upcoming World Cup, projected boosts in international tourism may fall short of expectations, with booking demand lagging.

Summary

In May, overseas visitation to the U.S. fell by 6.5%, leaving inbound tourism well below pre-pandemic numbers. Western Europe, Africa, and Oceania posted significant declines, while only the Middle East and South America saw growth. Although the 2026 World Cup is anticipated to increase travel, current booking data and industry expectations suggest the impact may be modest, raising concerns for the U.S. travel industry as the summer approaches.