Travel Trends
US tourism demand has withstood Donald Trump's return – but is it the calm before the storm?
It’s been six months since Donald Trump returned to the White House – so what effect has be had on US tourism since January? Gary Noakes investigates.
The ultra-low-cost carrier based in Las Vegas did not escape the effects of sagging demand for low-cost seats to leisure destinations, despite taking on a handful of new, more-efficient Boeing 737 Max aircraft and making greater use of its existing jets.
CHATTANOOGA, TENN. – Vision Hospitality Group, a leader in hotel development and a culture-focused operator, hosted its 4th annual Red Sand Project event in partnership with WillowBend Farms on Friday, August 1, 2025, at its Aloft Chattanooga Hamilton Place in Chattanooga, Tenn. The impactful event brought together a coalition of dedicated organizations working to combat human trafficking, including the Family Justice Center for Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Health Department.
The Red Sand Project is a symbolic initiative designed to raise awareness and inspire action around human trafficking. Participants poured red sand into sidewalk cracks to represent the countless victims who have fallen through the cracks of society each day. This year’s event came at a time when the Chattanooga community had made significant strides in both prevention and survivor restoration over the past twelve months.
“The Red Sand Project reminds us that human trafficking continues to be a pressing public health issue and a devastating reality in every state,” said Jenelle Hawkins, director of operation excellence at Vision Hospitality Group. “As members of the hotel industry, we understand our unique position to help identify and prevent trafficking. We are proud to be part of a community that is not only raising awareness but also driving real solutions. As we mark our fourth year, our commitment is stronger than ever.”
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, there were 213 reported human trafficking cases in Tennessee in 2024, involving 446 victims. Events like the Red Sand Project bring visibility to the issue, encourage education and empower community action.
Vision Hospitality Group remains committed to combating trafficking through community partnerships, ongoing staff training and philanthropic support. In 2024, Vision donated $100,000 to the AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Survivor Fund, providing housing and job placement services to trafficking survivors nationwide. Mitch Patel, founder and CEO of Vision Hospitality Group and current chair of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, has long championed industry-wide efforts to prevent human trafficking and support survivors.
“We were honored to stand with our partners and our community to bring attention to this issue,” said Mitch Patel. “Together, through awareness and action, we are working toward a future where every individual is safe, seen and supported.
The article Vision Hospitality Group and WillowBend Farms unite for 4th Annual Red Sand Project first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
Canadians are avoiding the United States, and Americans are taking notice. Some of the busiest airports in the world look unrecognizable these days, without Canadian tourists throughout the usually busy summer months. In reaction, certain U.S. states are taking begging to the next level. Vermont, in particular, offered Canadians a free admission deal to various bike parks in early August. In addition, Vermont renamed an entire street to entice Canadians back in while making them feel welcomed.
Despite all the efforts, Canadians are still avoiding the U.S., and this trend is now starting to show up in other countries as well. One European country in particular is scaling back from U.S. travel.
From a Facebook group to an app, this European country has also seen a decrease in travel to the U.S. in recent months.
Here’s a closer look at the country in question, and what the numbers are saying.
French Tourists Are Turning Their Backs To Commonly Visited Areas Like California
It has been well documented that Canadians are avoiding the United States. Month after month, travel trends continue to decline compared to the previous year in 2024. However, the boycott extends far beyond Canada and also encompasses Europe.
In fact, according to recent data, Europeans are choosing Canada instead of the U.S. Travelers from the UK, Germany, and France are now opting for Ontario instead of America. When asked about future destinations, 64% of Europeans had an interest in visiting Canada, along with 54% approving a visit to Ontario.
As for the United States, the country dropped all the way down to 46%, just ahead of Japan and Australia, which also continue to trend upward among European travel interests.
Canada is listening to these trends, expanding its international routes.
However, Canada isn’t the only country making moves to avoid the United States. Dating back to early 2025, France has also made significant moves that indicate it’s headed in a similar direction.
From apps to Facebook groups, France is also advocating reducing travel to the U.S. This movement dates back months. In early 2025, a Facebook user launched the group, “Boycott USA, Buy French and European!”
According to CTV News, the group attracted 20,000 members online in just two weeks. Additionally, locals in France are also using an app to detect products from the United States. With the app, customers can sidestep American products and solely focus on European or homemade items instead.
What The Numbers Are Saying?
The numbers also reflect the key changes currently taking place. According to the travel agency Voyageurs du Monde, French tourists are losing interest in tourism in California, as well as in parks in Arizona. The decline in sales has led to a reduction of at least 20%.
Jean-François Rial, Voyageurs du Monde manager, said in a statement:
“For political reasons, it’s rare. People are flocking to Canada and Mexico.”
Other French travel agencies have reported an 11% decrease in U.S.-related travel, all triggered by government changes in America. Travel agencies in France claim that things are at a standstill due to inexperienced travelers being sensitive to the current content related to the United States.
Along with French tourists taking a stand, the government of France has also issued stricter warnings for travel to the United States in recent months.
France Has Strengthened Its Stance On Boycotting The United States With Tighter Travel Advisories
USA and France flags waving together in the wind on blue cloudy sky
France has issued key advisories for travel to the United States.
The concerns include alerts on:
- Political climate
- Potential natural disasters
- Ongoing demonstrations
Demonstration warnings were issued for downtown Los Angeles, Paramount, and Compton in response to prior events.
The French government is also asking visitors to the United States to be aware of the new Visa requirements. The U.S. government announced a new “integrity fee” that is looming closer. This may shift tourism even further away from the United States, with yet another fee for foreign travelers.
The U.S. Department Of State Has Issued Travel Advisories Of Its Own For France
On the contrary, the U.S. Department of State has upped its warning for travel to France. The current advisory is under a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.” The advisory bump is due to increased terrorism and civil unrest.
The Department of State wrote that theft, such as pickpocketing, is widespread in France.
“Pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France and may attack with little to no warning. There are also regular, peaceful protests and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France.”
The Eiffel Tower and cruise boats on the River Seine on a summer day in Paris, France
The Department of State added advisories on which areas American travelers need to beware of pickpocketing scenarios.
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Common Areas Of Pickpocketing In France, According to the U.S. Department Of State: |
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Airports |
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Subways and Train Cars |
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Tourist Attraction Areas |
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Train Stations |
The number of Americans visiting France has not dipped and, according to reports, actually increased in 2025 by 3% compared to last year, 2024. For now, the opposite isn’t true for French tourists visiting the U.S.
Be sure to let us know your thoughts on France’s boycott of the United States. Will these boycotts last? Chime in down below.
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