1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

The travel industry is a significant contributor to the U.S. economy, and the recent sharp decline in travel spending has raised concerns. According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, travel spending in the United States decreased by $1.3 billion in March, with the drop being one of the largest in the past 25 years, only surpassed by the impacts of 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline has been widely attributed to the current administration's policies on tariffs and immigration, which have strained relationships with allies like Canada. Canadian tourists, for instance, have notably boycotted trips to the U.S. in opposition to the tariffs imposed on their country and threats of annexation. While the President claims that tourism is "doing very well," the actual numbers tell a different story. The export of travel services, a measure of how much tourists spend while in the U.S., has also seen one of the largest three-month drops in recent history. The tourism industry is a vital part of our economy, and its decline can have far-reaching consequences. Urgent action is needed to address the policies and rhetoric that are driving away visitors and jeopardizing this important sector. We urge you to prioritize efforts to repair our relationships with allies, promote a welcoming environment for international travelers, and implement measures to revitalize the tourism industry, which is a significant source of revenue and employment for many communities across the country.