American tourism has plummeted, with $10 billion in revenue lost in the last year.

The New York Times has attributed the shortfall of 11 million tourists to increased scrutiny at the border, Immigration and Customs Enforcement violence and unpredictable policies.

“2026 does not look any better,” the New York Times said last week.

However, a Bermudian leading a four-star New York hotel has a different take on the situation.

Richard Tucker, the general manager of Arlo SoHo in New York City said a softening tourism market in the US spelt opportunity for travellers.

“There are better deals out there for anyone looking to travel,” he said.

“This is the best time to come to New York City. Rates are priced fairly low. Even for January and February we are seeing lower rates this year than last year.”

Online news website, The Independent, reported that America was one of the few major destinations in the world to see a slump in tourism last year.

The figures put our Eastern neighbours in league with countries such as Azerbaijan, which also saw tourism fall by 7 per cent.

By comparison Canada’s incoming tourism figures rocketed 6 per cent and Mexico’s by more than 13 per cent.

With America’s relationship with its neighbours souring due to tariffs on imported goods, Canadian travel to the US fell by more than 25 per cent.

That has proved to be a windfall for Bermuda.

According to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s latest monthly statistics, Canadian stopover arrivals to Bermuda increased 27.7 per cent year-on-year for the period January to November 2025, the strongest growth rate among reporting Caribbean destinations for that market.

Bermuda has also been seeing more Americans looking for a quick getaway from the political upheaval in their country.

Reports of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detaining tourists are bringing America a lot of negative publicity.

Two days ago The Guardian newspaper reported that British tourist Karen Newton was held by ICE for six weeks despite having a valid visa and passport.

Ms Newton warned the world not to go to the US as long as President Donald Trump was in charge.

She said during her time in a detention centre, guards told her she was being held, because ICE agents were paid by the arrest.