Business Travel to the U.S. Drops Sharply Amid Economic Anxiety, Border Concerns

Business travel to the United States fell 9% in April, according to preliminary figures from the National Travel and Tourism Office, as companies and employees scaled back trips due to economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and border policy concerns under the Trump administration. The decline comes despite a strong first quarter, when business travel to the U.S. rose 7% year-over-year.

The downturn was especially pronounced among travelers from Western Europe, where business arrivals fell 17.7% compared to April 2024. In contrast, business travel from the Middle East increased 9.4%, the only region to post gains. Travel from Mexico by air also dropped by 11.8%, while Canada saw a significant pullback overall, with return trips by air and car down 20% and 35% respectively, per Statistics Canada.

While leisure travel to the U.S. rose 13.8% in April, likely due to the late Easter holiday, business travel showed the opposite trend. Experts say this reversal may continue in the coming months. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that advance summer bookings from Europe to U.S. cities are down 12% year-over-year, while major U.S. airlines have pulled their full-year forecasts due to weakened demand.

Industry insiders cite growing apprehension around U.S. entry procedures. BT4Europe, a business travel association, warned of heightened traveler concerns, especially among LGBTQ+ individuals and those active on social media. Kevin Haggarty, a Canadian gift supplier, said fear of border detentions and the impact of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports are key reasons he has canceled upcoming trade trips to the U.S.

According to Suzanne Neufang, CEO of the Global Business Travel Association, a recent member survey found that one-third of respondents expect a global travel downturn in 2025. Canadian members were the most pessimistic, with 71% forecasting reduced business travel. Neufang emphasized that the uncertainty is particularly destabilizing for a sector that values efficiency and predictability.

The slump poses risks for U.S. cities reliant on international conventions and trade shows. While business travel spending in the U.S. returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, new setbacks are emerging. Brett Sterenson, president of Hotel Lobbyists, said U.S. government funding cuts and increased global travel warnings have cost him 75% of his business in international exchange programs.