Tourism in some of the United States’ most renowned cities is experiencing a significant decline, with Seattle now added to the list of destinations grappling with this concerning trend.
Factors such as rising travel costs, increased safety concerns in urban areas, and lingering effects of the pandemic have converged to drastically reshape how, where, and why people choose to travel.
Iconic locations such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Hawaii have seen notable downturns in tourist numbers, highlighting a national shift in travel behavior.
In Seattle, the decline in tourism is stark and pronounced.
Pike Place Market, historically a major attraction, witnessed only 31% of the city’s adult population visiting over the past year, a significant drop from the 41% that attended in the healthier pre-pandemic period of February 2019 to February 2020.
Other beloved city attractions, including Seattle Sounders games, the Pacific Science Center, and the Museum of Pop Culture, have also reported decreasing attendance compared to five years ago.
Local residents attribute this downturn to a combination of factors: rising crime rates in popular districts, high parking costs, and the lingering impacts of the pandemic, which have made visiting the city less appealing.
For Seattle residents, the cost associated with enjoying their own city feels higher than ever.
Although some attractions, such as the Seattle Aquarium and certain sporting events, have experienced upticks in attendance, the overall picture depicts a city struggling to attract visitors.
The situation is not unique to Seattle; New York City faces a similar predicament.
The city has experienced an estimated 17% drop in overall visitors, particularly among Canadian tourists, who previously comprised a significant portion of NYC’s travel economy.
A disconcerting 800,000 fewer Canadian visitors are anticipated this year alone, impacting the success of major attractions like the Empire State Building and Broadway shows.
Factors such as soaring hotel prices, unpredictable weather, and economic inflation have made the Big Apple less appealing to international travelers, casting doubt on its ability to recover quickly.
Los Angeles, another iconic destination, is also struggling.
The city has seen a dramatic reduction in foot traffic downtown, particularly in hotspots like The Last Bookstore and Grand Central Market, which have witnessed up to an 80% drop in visitors since wildfires struck earlier this year.
Overall, international arrivals at LAX have decreased by about 3.5%, and hotel bookings are not meeting expectations.
Despite city efforts to revitalize tourism through marketing and events, travelers remain cautious, further inhibiting LA’s recovery.
Meanwhile, Hawaii, often a dream destination for many, is also feeling the impact of a slow summer tourism season.
The aftermath of the deadly 2023 Lahaina wildfires has contributed to diminished visitor sentiment, with bookings significantly down compared to pre-pandemic levels, particularly as high airfare and safety concerns loom.
June 2025 was especially weak for travel demand, signaling continued struggles for the tropical destination.
In Utah, Park City is reeling from a major economic blow, as the Sundance Film Festival announced its relocation, a move expected to strip the local economy of approximately $132 million annually.
With the festival being a key draw for visitors from around the world, filling local hotels and enhancing restaurant traffic, this development necessitates a reevaluation of Park City’s tourism model in the absence of its flagship event.
In New York’s upstate Lake George, a village reliant on tourism, early indicators suggest a slow summer ahead, with a noticeable decline in Canadian visitors.
Local businesses report concerns about spending behaviors, anticipating trends that could mirror previous years’ sluggish foot traffic.
Economic uncertainty is causing potential travelers to rethink their vacation plans, creating a difficult landscape for seasonal inns and attractions.
Chicago and San Francisco are also experiencing a loss of travel momentum.
In Chicago, downtown areas previously crowded with tourists are facing a lull, as reduced business travel takes its toll and leisure tourism has not fully rebounded.
Events and conventions are still below pre-pandemic levels, creating a challenging environment for local venues.
Similarly, San Francisco has seen a decline in hotel occupancy rates due to shifting perceptions of safety and affordability, which are turning off potential visitors drawn by its tech scene and vibrant leisure offerings.
Las Vegas, typically known for its resilience in tourism, is witnessing a nearly 8% decline in tourist arrivals, particularly with international travelers.
Casinos and resorts are now adjusting their expectations to address these new economic pressures and changing visitor habits.
The city is leaning on major events to stabilize numbers, though spontaneous travel appears to be on the decline.
The overall picture for California paints an even bleaker forecast.
The entire state is projected to see its first reduction in tourism numbers since the pandemic, as both domestic and international visitor counts dip.
Tourist figures from Canada have fallen significantly, impacting popular destinations from Napa Valley to San Diego.
Rising costs, extreme weather, and heightened competition from other states are all factors chipping away at California’s once-dominant tourism appeal.
The patterns of declining tourism are nationwide, affecting both popular metropolises and small resort towns alike.
The stark reality is that cities that have long depended on tourism dollars must now adapt to a new framework for attracting visitors.
The criteria has changed; it’s not enough to rely solely on iconic views or renowned attractions anymore.
The modern traveler prioritizes affordability, safety, and experiences that resonate with their post-pandemic priorities.
As sightseeing fundamentals shift, these destinations need to reassess their approach to revitalizing their tourism economies.
In conclusion, the trends’s collective impacts are clear, signaling a substantial shift in America’s tourism landscape, with a new focus on what travelers truly want from their vacations.
image source from：travelandtourworld
