Boston had anticipated significant growth in international tourism this year, particularly with hopes of attracting over 800,000 Canadian visitors.
However, revised forecasts reveal a troubling trend, predicting a 10% decrease in international tourism compared to last year, as reported by Meet Boston, the city’s privately run tourism organization.
The bleak outlook is largely attributed to an expected 20% to 25% decline in visitors from Canada, Boston’s most substantial source of international travelers.
The situation is further exacerbated by disappointing projections from other countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
Despite these projections, Dave O’Donnell, vice president of strategic communications for Meet Boston, expressed a sense of cautious optimism, noting that international travel to Boston has not noticeably diminished so far this year.
As the summer travel season approaches, the national tourism industry is bracing for potential challenges.
Meet Boston now estimates that the city will welcome approximately 657,000 Canadian visitors in 2025, a significant drop from the 833,000 who visited last year.
In addition, forecasts indicate a decrease in British tourists, with estimates falling from 185,000 last year to 171,000 this year.
Chinese visitors are also expected to decline from 135,000 to 124,000.
If these projections hold, Boston’s revenue from foreign visitors could fall from $2.7 billion in 2024 to $2.5 billion in 2025, according to data from Tourism Economics, a leading global tourism advisory company.
Historically, international travelers have accounted for about 10% of Boston’s tourist volume, yet they represent around 15% of annual visitor spending, as indicated by Meet Boston.
With thousands of individuals in Greater Boston reliant on tourism for their livelihood, the economic implications of this decline are significant.
As of March, over 253,000 people in the Boston metro area were employed in the hospitality and leisure sectors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Out of this number, more than 56,000 residents worked in accommodations and food services, as noted in a city report from the previous year.
However, not everyone in the tourism sector is approaching the summer season with trepidation.
Boston Duck Tours, for example, has reported an increase in group reservations this year.
Since the start of their season at the end of March, there has been a rise in international visitors compared to the same period last year, according to Tom Vigna, the Duck Boats’ director of marketing and sales.
He mentioned that while ticket sales are still relatively modest at this early stage, signs of positive trends are encouraging.
Vigna also pointed out that factors such as adverse weather, particularly rain, are currently more impactful than broader economic concerns.
Industry analysts predict a nationwide decline in international tourism this year, driven by a mix of economic factors and growing negative perceptions of the U.S.
According to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, the state anticipates a 4.4% reduction in overseas visitors compared to last year, based on research from Tourism Economics.
The state office recently warned of a “steep decline” in tourism to the U.S.
Many potential travelers are reportedly deterred by rising anti-immigrant sentiment emanating from the Trump administration, as well as heightened border security measures and visible immigration enforcement.
These factors, coupled with a favorable U.S. dollar, have created extra hurdles for individuals contemplating travel to the U.S.
In addition, certain foreign tourists are becoming increasingly fearful due to strict immigration enforcement practices, with some incidents involving tourists being detained or turned away at the border.
Moreover, feelings of hostility from the Trump administration towards other nations have led to a growing reluctance among foreign tourists to consider vacations in the U.S.
This sentiment is particularly prevalent among Canadians, who have chosen to keep their travel dollars within their own country.
O’Donnell noted that while some elements impacting Canadian tourism are longstanding, geopolitical tensions have worsened the situation considerably.
In response to these challenges, the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism is actively working to counter the concerns of potential international visitors.
They are committed to conveying a welcoming message to foreigners, despite the negative impressions of the U.S. that may arise from national events.
Kate Fox, the executive director of the office, emphasized that Massachusetts aims to clarify that the state is open and ready to receive visitors from all backgrounds.
“Tourism is vital to our economy and our communities, and we remain proactive in reinforcing Massachusetts as a premier destination for visitors from near and far,” she stated.
O’Donnell believes that the downturn in foreign tourists is not as severe for Boston compared to other regions of the country.
There are also some positive developments, as Boston is projected to see increased tourism from certain areas, including India, Brazil, and the Middle East.
Additionally, increased flight connectivity to Boston from cities like Madrid, Edinburgh, Milan, and Canadian locales such as Vancouver and Halifax could provide vital support for the tourism sector.
Nonetheless, business travel has already experienced declines, particularly from Canada, Mexico, and Europe.
The combined effects of dwindling international tourism, trade tensions, tariffs, and unpredictable immigration policies are generating a sense of anxiety for small businesses, according to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
“Boston has been very clear — we are a city that is welcoming to everyone,
image source from：https://www.masslive.com/boston/2025/05/boston-tourism-projected-to-see-10-drop-in-international-visitors-in-2025.html
