The Brian Lehrer Show How President Trump and His Tariffs Are Affecting NYC Tourism
Aug 11, 2025
Arun Venugopal, a senior reporter for WNYC's race & justice unit, dives into the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on NYC tourism. He reveals how these policies are projected to cause a drop of 3 million visitors, hitting local businesses hard. The discussion spans the economic significance of tourism, the decline in visitors from key countries, and the effects of political rhetoric on travel perceptions. Venugopal also contrasts the struggles of hotels with the success stories of Airbnb hosts adapting to changing trends.
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NYC Tourism Projected To Lose 3M Visitors
- NYC & Company revised projections down by about 3 million visitors for the coming year.
- Arun Venugopal says domestic tourism drops by 1 million while international falls from 14m to 12m.
Tourism Reaches Far Beyond Hotels
- Tourism drives tens of billions and supports Broadway, hotels, catering and many small makers and restaurants.
- Arun Venugopal emphasizes that social media and media images amplify why international visitors choose NYC.
Major Source Countries Are Pulling Back
- Top sending countries are trimming trips: the UK, Germany and China are down and Canada faces the steepest decline.
- Arun Venugopal links Canada's expected 20% drop to high tariffs and hostile rhetoric from the administration.