The current political climate in the United States is significantly impacting its image as a tourist destination for Spanish travelers. According to a recent survey conducted by the travel website Holidayguru, 80% of respondents believe that U.S. policies negatively affect the country’s reputation, with many reconsidering their plans to visit.
The survey highlights growing concerns among Spanish tourists, with nearly half (49%) stating that they are rethinking trips to the U.S. in 2025. This hesitation is fueled by factors such as stricter border controls and high-profile detentions of Canadian and European tourists, which have prompted countries like Germany, Denmark, Portugal, and the United Kingdom to issue travel warnings for the United States.
Additionally, 58% of Spanish respondents admitted they would feel “uncomfortable” traveling to the U.S. due to the current political situation.
The emotional and practical impact of U.S. policies, including trade tariffs and immigration measures introduced during Donald Trump’s administration, has left a lasting impression on potential visitors.
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While the United States remains the third most visited country in the world, the survey reveals that only 31% of Spanish respondents plan to travel there in 2025, compared to 69% who do not. This marks a stark contrast to 2024, when nearly 900,000 Spaniards visited the U.S., according to the Spanish Confederation of Travel Agencies.
The survey, conducted on April 2 and 3 with 2,000 users of Holidayguru.es, underscores the broader implications of political decisions on tourism. For many Spaniards, the United States is no longer seen as a welcoming or appealing destination, with its policies casting a shadow over its global image. As the data suggests, the U.S. government’s actions are not only shaping international relations but also influencing the travel choices of millions of potential visitors.
