U.S. President Donald Trump met with leaders from the travel industry on September 2, 2026, as his administration seeks to attract more international visitors following a decline in foreign tourism. The White House meeting brought together senior representatives from major airlines, hotels, resorts and cruise companies, highlighting the growing focus on strengthening the country’s international tourism market.
The meeting comes as international arrivals to the United States continue to decline. According to data cited by Reuters, international arrivals were down 4.7% through July 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier. The decline has raised concerns across the tourism industry and prompted discussions about the challenges affecting foreign visitors and ways to make the U.S. more attractive to international travelers.
White House Brings Travel Industry Leaders Together
Executives representing some of the country’s major travel and hospitality businesses attended the White House meeting, including representatives from American Airlines, Marriott, MGM Resorts and Carnival. The companies represent different parts of the tourism sector, from air travel and accommodation to resorts and cruise operations. Their participation highlighted the wide economic impact of international tourism on the U.S. travel industry.
The meeting provided an opportunity for government officials and industry representatives to discuss the challenges currently affecting inbound international travel. Travel companies have been raising concerns about issues that could discourage foreign visitors from choosing the United States. Industry leaders are now looking for ways to address these barriers and encourage stronger international demand.
International Arrivals Show Significant Decline
The latest figures point to a notable slowdown in international travel to the United States. International arrivals fell 4.7% through July 2026 compared with the corresponding period in 2025, according to data cited by Reuters. The decline has added pressure on the government and travel industry to find ways to restore international visitor numbers.
Tourism-industry representatives have identified several factors that may be discouraging international visitors. Visa delays, high airfares, immigration policies and visitor bond requirements were among the issues cited as potential barriers to travel. These concerns could influence visitors when comparing the United States with other international destinations.
US Tourism Industry Sets Ambitious Visitor Target
Against this backdrop, the U.S. Travel Association has set a target of 100 million international visitors annually, a significant increase from the approximately 68 million international visitors recorded in 2025. The target reflects the industry’s ambition to rebuild international demand and restore the United States as a stronger destination for overseas travelers.
Reaching the target would require the country to attract millions of additional visitors each year while addressing concerns surrounding the cost and ease of international travel. More foreign visitors could also provide wider economic benefits to airlines, hotels, restaurants, attractions, cruise companies and other tourism-related businesses across the country.
Washington Looks To Strengthen Global Tourism Position
The meeting between Trump and tourism-industry leaders comes as the United States seeks to strengthen its position in the global tourism market and reverse the recent decline in foreign visitor numbers. The involvement of major private-sector companies alongside the administration indicates a broader effort to understand the challenges facing international visitors and identify ways to encourage more visitors.
For the U.S. tourism industry, restoring international arrivals is important not only for increasing visitor numbers but also for supporting businesses across the wider tourism and hospitality sector. With the country targeting 100 million international visitors a year, the latest discussions signal a renewed focus on attracting foreign visitors and strengthening the United States’ appeal as a major global tourism destination.
