Places like Hollywood, after a massive decline in tourism in California in 2025, places like Hollywood are now hotspots facing new challenges.
Over the past few months, business owners and vendors along the Hollywood fame walk have noticed pedestrian traffic slowing in places that are otherwise supposed to be busy seasons.
“We couldn’t even get through here before spring break, and at this point it’s going to be stuffed,” Victor Franco said. “Now it’s definitely been a lot late.”
A visit to California reported that international arrivals to California fell by nearly 9% in February last year and February 2025.
“My boss has appeared here for 26 years. I say he’s the slowest I’ve ever seen,” said Marty Minogue, an employee of OneWorld Tour.
The reasons for the decline can vary, from money to wildfire concerns. However, some Hollywood business owners believe it could be due to international tensions.
“This is just my personal opinion. There’s an undercurrent of people waiting to see what happens in the economy,” Minogue said.
At least five vendors along Hollywood Boulevard told NBCLA that concerns and anger over immigration detention, tariffs and international disputes have alienated foreign visitors.
“It’s been a dark time in the US and I think people feel it. I think they feel it all over the world,” Franco said.
According to the International Trade Bureau, overseas visitors to the United States except Canada and Mexico fell 12% this year compared to March 2024.
“It feels like the world is watching us right now, and this is what it turns out,” said Hollywood vendor Marcus Dawson.
Canada in particular has raised concerns about California tourism.
“The Canadians haven’t seen their LOF, and when they came down here they got friction, it got a bit of a conflict,” Dawson said.
Tariffs and comments about President Donald Trump’s 51st US state have been plagued by some Canadians seeking a boycott of the US
“I’ve never seen so many Canadians, Australians, Germans,” said Carlos Suarez, a vendor.
Visits from Canadians fell 12% in February 2024, according to a visit to California. In response, Palm Springs deployed a heart-shaped sign with the Canadian flag, spreading goodwill to Canadian visitors.
Last week, Governor Newsom also announced a campaign to seduce Canadian visitors.
“We certainly know who’s going to go back to DC and stir things up, but don’t ruin your beach plans. California is the ultimate playground and world in mindset, more than 2,000 miles from Washington,” the governor’s ad says.
Visit California is scheduled to release updated tourism forecasts in early May. The vendors here are full of hope, but don’t expect any better news.
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