Los Angeles Tourism Faces Decline Amid Wildfires and Trade Tensions
Tourist spending in Los Angeles has decreased for the first time since the pandemic, as reported by Visit California. The decline is attributed to several factors, including wildfires, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, and trade tensions, which have discouraged visitors. Direct travel spending in Los Angeles County in 2025 was slightly below the previous year, marking a departure from the average growth of nearly 3% per year over the last decade. Despite these challenges, California remains the most popular U.S. destination for tourism, with most counties experiencing growth in travel. However, Los Angeles, heavily reliant on international visitors, has been significantly impacted by a 30% drop in international air arrivals from August to November 2025.