Tourist arrivals in Los Angeles have dropped significantly this summer, reversing years of growth and impacting the city’s economy. According to Visit California, tourist numbers fell by nearly 10% this season. This decline follows a series of events, including the destructive Eaton and Palisades fires in January and immigration raids in June, which have deterred international visitors.
President Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies have further complicated matters, discouraging many international tourists from visiting the United States. Hollywood Boulevard, a popular tourist destination, has seen a significant decrease in foot traffic, with businesses like Ride Like A Star experiencing a nearly 50% drop in customers renting luxury cars for sightseeing.
Canadian tourists, who typically make up a large portion of international visitors, have decreased by about 30% in June and July, as reported by Yahoo News. The absence of Canadian visitors has been particularly felt, as they account for a significant share of bookings in Los Angeles. In contrast, Mexican tourist numbers have increased by 5.4%, despite the immigration raids.
The tourism decline has also affected local airports, with reduced airline schedules and rising costs impacting traffic. Cynthia Guidry, director of the Long Beach Airport, is exploring ways to prepare for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics without relying on flight revenue.
Los Angeles and California heavily depend on tourism, which supports over 1,000 local businesses and employs approximately 510,000 people. Adam Burke, president of the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, emphasized the importance of maintaining the U.S. as a preferred travel destination. Despite the challenges, California remains the top travel destination in the U.S., with international visitors spending $26.5 billion last year.
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