Dhaka, Sept. 15 -- The U.S. tourism industry is grappling with a sharp decline in international visitors this summer, with spending down 7pc, amounting to a $12.5 billion loss, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

New data from Tourism Economics and the U.S. Travel Association points to a 9.4pc drop in arrivals versus pre-pandemic levels.

Key Drivers of the Downturn

Visa & Entry Costs: The newly introduced $250 "visa integrity fee" and stricter immigration checks have deterred travelers from non-visa waiver countries, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

Political Tone: International perception of the U.S. has soured, with rhetoric from U.S. officials raising concerns among would-be tourists.

Strong U.S. Dol...