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IN BRIEF
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A Sense of Insecurity: French Nationals Choose to Cancel Their Trip to the United States #
The current climate in the United States, marked by a growing sense of insecurity, is prompting many French citizens to reconsider their travel plans. Uncertainties related to politics, new entry requirements, and personal concerns have led several tourists to cancel their planned stays. This article explores the reasons behind this disengagement and the alternatives chosen by French travelers.
Declining Visitor Forecasts
Predictions for tourist visits to the United States show an alarming trend: a projected 9.4% decrease in international visitors by 2025. This decline compared to the previous year is largely attributed to factors such as Donald Trump’s policies, which seem to dampen the enthusiasm of foreign tourists. This is also accompanied by a growing distrust of the United States, particularly among Europeans.
Voices of Disillusionment
The feeling of insecurity is shared by many travelers. Cathy, a 67-year-old retiree, has decided to cancel her initially planned road trip. She mentions the fear of road checks and potentially delicate interactions with American authorities, having tattoos that could draw attention. Safety has become a priority, leading her to choose a less distant destination, such as Corsica.
A Declining Image of the United States
A recent survey conducted by Ifop reveals a significant deterioration in the image of the United States among the French. Only 51% of them consider a trip to American soil, down from 55% the previous year. This loss of appeal for the United States leads to a growing interest in alternative destinations like Canada or Mexico, where the climate seems less tense.
A Political Act Against a Contested Vision
Marilyn, a woman in her forties from Lyon, has also canceled her trip to New York to celebrate an important event. She expresses her disagreement with the current policies and prefers to forgo her plans rather than discover the United States in an atmosphere she views as difficult. This act of cancellation fits into a desire to show personal resistance against what she perceives as a lack of democracy within the United States.
Regulatory Changes and Their Impact
Entry conditions to the United States have also tightened. Since Donald Trump’s arrival, travelers must now declare their gender at birth on visa documents, which can be discriminatory for many individuals. This situation contributes to a heightened sense of rejection among travelers who identify as non-binary or intersex, amplifying concerns about safety and respect for rights.
À lire the classic and sports car show in the United Kingdom on June 7th and 8th, 2025
Alternative Travel Choices
Facing this trend, many French citizens are opting for other destinations, anticipating a reduction in their travel budgets due to rising ticket prices following the economic measures implemented in the United States. Jérôme, a man in his thirties, has decided to abandon his American road trip in favor of a trip to Asia, hoping to find a more tranquil vacation setting.
An Impact on the Tourism Economy
This disengagement from tourists can have growing economic consequences. Air Canada has already noted a 10% drop in flight bookings to the United States, with estimated losses of several billion dollars for the local economy. A decline in visits can result in reduced employment in the hospitality and restaurant sectors, thus redefining economic expectations related to American tourism.
The current situation in the United States affects not only French tourists but also the country’s image on a global scale. The consequences of this sense of insecurity and political choices are shaping the future tourism landscape, leading to a redefinition of priorities among travelers worldwide.
