Trump's Presidency Could Have Negative Impact On CA Travel This Year. Here's Why

CALIFORNIA — The nation's most populous state is forecasting a reduction in foreign visitors this year due to backlash and negative global sentiment toward President Donald Trump's policies.

Visit California, the state's tourism bureau, predicted a 9.2 percent decline in international travelers and a 1 percent dip in overall tourism on Monday, due in part to negative feelings abroad toward federal economic policies and an overall slowdown in international tourism.

Gov. Gavin Newsom's office dubbed the situation a "Trump slump" on Monday but said California still "dominates as a premier destination."

The "slump" isn't just worrisome for businesses that rely on travelers, but for workers within sectors that support tourism. Employment within the state's hospitality and travel sectors grew by approximately 24,000 jobs last year, which brought the number of travel-supported jobs in California to around 1.2 million, according to the state.

"We also recognize that our state’s progress is threatened by the economic impacts of this federal administration, and are committed to working to protect jobs and ensure all Californians benefit from a thriving tourism industry," Newsom said Monday.

While the state predicts challenges ahead for the tourism sector, state officials assured that California is the nation's top destination, largely for domestic travelers. Last year, tourists spent a record $157.3 billion while visiting the state — international travelers only accounted for $26.2 billion of that pot. Still, that $26 billion was a big gain for the state, as it was a 16.4% increase over 2023.

Travelers from within the U.S. account for more than 80 percent of all travel spending in the state, which is why the state says it invests 79 percent of its marketing to target Americans.

Californians themselves are also big drivers of the state’s tourism dollars, according to Visit California.

“Californians can make a real impact by exploring our own backyard,” Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, said. “Every local getaway helps sustain jobs, boost regional businesses and ensure California’s diverse destinations continue to thrive.”

The travel forecast comes just weeks after Newsom acknowledged negative sentiment from Canadian travelers, some of which have threatened to stop visiting the Golden State in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s trade and immigration policies.

Canada had long ranked as California’s second-largest source of international tourism, behind only Mexico. But there are already signs that travel from the northern neighbor could take a serious hit during Trump’s second term as retaliatory tariffs and tense diplomatic rhetoric disrupt the cross-border dynamic. The GOP president has also threatened to annex the country and mocked it as the "51st state", further heightening tensions.

“Never again, until Trump’s gone,” Carol Harris, a retired Nova Scotia university professor, told CalMatters. “I will miss the desert,” she added. “I love the topography of California. I like the politics of California.” Still, she said that as an “adamantly progressive” person, not visiting the United States is “just something we have to do.”

What's more, Charlie Angus, a member of Canada's Parliament recently dubbed Trump's words as "an act of war," and told Canadians not to travel to the U.S.

California stands to lose billions if Canadians decide to plan their vacations elsewhere, but Newsom hopes he can win them back.

“Sure, you-know-who is trying to stir things up back in D.C., but don’t let that ruin your beach plans," Newsom said.

READ MORE: Newsom Aims To Win Back Canadian Tourists Amid Trump-Era Tensions