Following record-breaking years, Utah’s national parks are experiencing a decline in visitation this summer, with Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area reporting significant drops. Overall, Utah’s five national parks and Glen Canyon have seen a nearly 10% decrease compared to the previous year, impacting local economies heavily reliant on tourism, and specifically international visitors. The downturn is part of a broader travel trend, potentially driven by a decrease in international tourism, economic uncertainty, and political rhetoric, impacting areas like Las Vegas and the Lake Powell region. Local businesses are offering discounts to attract visitors, but recovery is anticipated to take time, with the hope for eventual rebound.
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The U.S. is projected to lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending in 2025, a 22.5% decline from the previous peak and a stark contrast to the growth seen in other global economies. This downturn, impacting jobs and businesses nationwide, makes the U.S. the only country among 184 analyzed to experience a decrease in international tourism spending. The decline is attributed to a failure to address issues impacting international traveler confidence, despite the strong domestic tourism market. Urgent action is needed to reverse this trend and restore the U.S.’s position as a leading global tourism destination.
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Germany’s recent update to its travel advice for US-bound citizens underscores a growing concern among international travelers regarding the current political climate in the United States. The updated advice, which strongly discourages non-essential travel, follows reports of German citizens being detained in the US under questionable circumstances. This situation highlights a broader trend of arbitrary detentions and difficulties faced by foreign nationals attempting to enter or transit through the US.
The sheer economic impact of such a shift in travel patterns is staggering. The US tourism industry contributes trillions of dollars annually to the national economy. A significant decrease in international tourism, fueled by negative travel advisories and real-world experiences of arbitrary detention, could have devastating consequences, potentially crippling a major sector of the American economy.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood