Philly travel industry braces for big drop in foreign visitors
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International travelers are forecast to shun Philadelphia this year in big numbers, especially Canadians.
Why it matters: Those visitors spend more and stay longer on average than their domestic counterparts, which could put a big dent in the billion-dollar industry.
The big picture: President Trump's policies and America First stance are fueling anti-U.S. sentiment and declines in international travel across the nation, research firm Oxford Economics said in a briefing last month.
Driving the news: Roughly 1 million international travelers are expected to visit Philly this year, marking a 12% decline from 2024, per an analysis from Tourism Economics for the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
- That's around 147,000 fewer people staying in hotels, eating at restaurants and visiting attractions.
Zoom in: Canadians would account for the bulk of international travelers avoiding Philly.
- 118,000 fewer Canadians are expected to visit the city, a drop of 22% this year, per the outlet.
- Canadians are the city's largest contingent of global visitors.
State of play: A drop in international travel to Philly appears to be already happening.
- The number of non-American citizens entering Philadelphia International Airport dipped 10.5% this year through late April, per the Inquirer.
By the numbers: International visitors' spending fueled a $1.2-billion economic impact on the city last year, per the visitors bureau's latest report.
- International visitors on average spend $572 and stay 5.2 days per trip, more than double what domestic visitors average, per the visitors bureau's latest report.
What they're saying: "While these new figures highlight broader headwinds, they reinforce the urgency of staying bold, targeted, and strategic in our international outreach," Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the city's visitors bureau, tells Axios.
What we're watching: Whether anticipated declines in international travel dampen Philly's big-ticket events in 2026, including the nation's 250th anniversary, FIFA World Cup matches and the MLB All-Star Game.