International Tourism to California Is Taking a Beating Under the Trump Administration

California's international tourism is experiencing a significant downturn since Donald Trump's return to office, with Canadian visits down 15. 5% and Mexican visits down 24. 2% in February and March 2025. Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated a campaign to encourage Canadian tourists to visit, addressing concerns about trade tensions and immigration anxiety. Although there were slight increases in tourism from China, Japan, and India, these do not offset the larger declines from Canada, Mexico, and the UK.

Only 6% of California's tourists are international; however, they contribute 17% of the state's tourism spending, making their absence particularly impactful. Factors such as the weakened Canadian dollar and recent wildfires have compounded the decline in international visits. The looming May 7 Real ID deadline adds another layer of complexity, as travelers without updated IDs may struggle with domestic flight security. The California tourism industry is now facing uncertainty, and stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation. Continued efforts to revive international tourism will be critical for the state's economy moving forward.