Professor of Practice and Director of Hospitality Certificate
Diego Bufquin is an expert in Hotel Management, Restaurant Management, Consumer Behavior, Organizational Behavior and Social Psychology.
Domestic travel booms as foreign visitors pull back, putting billions and jobs at risk
Americans are spending a lot more on trips at home, but overseas visitors are pulling back. Recent data show U.S. travel spending up ~0.2% in July while international arrivals are down about 8% this year, with 2025 inbound spending projected to fall by roughly $12.5 billion. Factors include visa costs and processing hurdles, plus geopolitical tensions. The result: strength in domestic leisure, but softer demand in gateway cities that rely on international spending.
Tulane University’s Diego Bufquin, a tourism and hospitality expert, can walk through what’s driving the decline, which cities feel it first and what fixes are realistic now. He can also break down:
The U.S. is losing travelers. Here are the countries that stand to benefit
The United States stands to lose $30 billion in international tourism dollars this year, monies which are set to flow to neighboring nations and beyond.
The United States stands to lose $30 billion in international tourism dollars this year, monies which are set to flow to neighboring nations and beyond.
- A split-screen travel picture: Recent reads show U.S. spending up marginally, but international arrivals down and 2025 visitor spend projected to fall.
- Why the inbound dip matters: Fewer long-haul visitors ripple through hotels, attractions, luxury retail, restaurants and tour operators.
- What would move the needle now: Speed up visas and lower friction (fees, interview backlogs, clear timelines).
For interviews, contact Roger Dunaway at roger@tulane.edu or 504-452-2906.
Professor of Practice and Director of Hospitality Certificate
Diego Bufquin is an expert in Hotel Management, Restaurant Management, Consumer Behavior, Organizational Behavior and Social Psychology.
