World Cup Could Help Reverse U.S. Tourism Slide

Key Points

• U.S. inbound tourism declined in 2025, but major upcoming events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics could drive a recovery.
• Los Angeles is focusing on attracting visitors with or without event tickets by creating citywide experiences and a 39-day event calendar.
• Political and regulatory challenges, such as travel restrictions and immigration concerns, remain barriers for some international tourists.

Summary

U.S. inbound tourism saw a decline in 2025, but industry leaders believe that mega-events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could spark a resurgence. Los Angeles is actively working to attract both ticketed and non-ticketed visitors by offering citywide experiences and a robust calendar of events, while also shifting focus from just visitor numbers to the overall economic impact. However, political and regulatory barriers, including travel restrictions and immigration fears, continue to pose challenges for some international travelers.