Some Europeans Rethink US Travel Plans Amid Political Concerns

A growing number of Europeans are reconsidering their travel plans to the United States, citing political tensions and policy changes under President Donald Trump, Reuters reports.

According to travel industry data, US flight searches have declined in France, Italy, and Spain, while overall visitor numbers from Western Europe fell by 1% in February, based on figures from the US National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO).

For some travelers, the decision to cancel or alter their US trips is driven by Trump’s policies and rhetoric. Kennet Brask, a Danish tourist who previously visited Florida for a fishing trip, decided against returning this year after watching Trump’s recent White House meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

“I’m never going to go to the United States as long as Mr. Trump is the President there,” Brask told Reuters.

Instead, he opted for a trip to Mexico.

Travel agents across Denmark, Germany, and other parts of Europe report similar sentiments from their clients. Trump’s strained relations with European leaders, discussions about annexing Greenland, and stricter visa policies have contributed to a decline in interest in US travel.

According to NTTO data, the number of visitors from Denmark to the US fell by 6% in February, reversing a 7% increase in the same period last year. The largest decline came from Slovenia (down 26%), followed by Switzerland and Belgium.

Some European travelers have gone as far as removing pro-American symbols in protest. Danish citizen Kim Kugel Sorenson canceled his planned trip to California and even altered a tattoo of the American flag, stating he no longer wanted to appear supportive of US politics.

Travel agencies have adjusted their strategies in response to shifting demand. Albatros Travel, a major Copenhagen-based tour operator, has stopped marketing US tours due to reduced interest, particularly from Denmark and Greenland.

“We have taken an active decision not to spend a dime on marketing for any tours to the USA,” said Steen Albrechtsen, senior product manager at Albatros Travel.

Meanwhile, the strong US dollar and economic challenges in Europe have also played a role in the decline, but travel agents say political uncertainty is the biggest factor influencing decisions.

Many European travelers are now considering Canada as a substitute for US trips. German travel agency America Unlimited reported a surge in bookings for Canadian vacations, as some tourists view traveling to Canada as a symbolic rejection of US policies.

“Canada is experiencing an unprecedented boom,” said Timo Kohlenberg, CEO of America Unlimited.

Similarly, European vacation rental properties have seen a 32% increase in bookings from Canadian travelers between June and August, as more Canadians opt for Europe over the US.

Despite the overall decline, some tour operators remain optimistic. TUI, Europe’s largest travel company, still expects an increase in German tourists to the US compared to 2024, particularly for city trips and camper tours.

However, concerns about tighter border controls and inconsistent immigration enforcement remain. The British and German governments have updated their travel advisories, urging citizens to be aware of entry requirements and potential scrutiny at US borders.

Immigration Attorney Maria del Carmen Ramos noted:

“It seems like it’s the Wild West at the border, and there’s no rhyme or reason as to how things are being done.”