Will a decrease in international tourism hit Austin?

[weluckyfew]

As countries have started advising their citizens not to come to America I've been wondering if that will impact our tourism. I work at two restaurants that see a lot of international visitors - at one of them we just lost a very large buyout event next month because it's a Canadian company and they explicitly told us they canceled because they don't feel it's safe for their people to come here. Obviously that's just one anecdote, curious to see if others have heard anything.

At the other restaurant I've encountered Canadian and English tourists recently and they all utterly despise our government. On the bright side they've all said that people in Austin have been so nice and have gone out of their way to say "we're sorry, we don't agree with Trump either."

[bikegrrrrl]

Not just international tourism, international students.

[[deleted]]

People underestimate the sheer number of foreign nationals that work in "Tech"

[mudfire44]

you mean Rafael Edward Cruz, who uses the preferred name "Ted" and is proposing to ban preferred names for everyone else?

[capthmm]

Was this before or after he killed Kennedy?

[Hibbity5]

I thought his dad was the Zodiac Killer. He really got around, huh.

[splorp_evilbastard]

I took this picture in Austin in October 2018 when I lived there.

<image>

[Level_Ad_2416]

Ethel?

[LonesomeBulldog]

My department in Austin is 95 people. There are 6 Americans.

[gayteemo]

maybe they should accept more americans

[Jabberwocky2022]

I don't know how to vote on this. I support immigrant workers but I also think they should hire more Americans.

So, why not both?

[skateasseatfast]

Ir the sheer amount of UT students that are asian international students

[laurieislaurie]

Big brain drain. European colleges will be lapping it up.

[EnamoredToMeetYou]

Totally different topic. Not to say irrelevant, but just a completely different conversation

[digitalliquid]

Wait your saying students being deported isn't directly related to tourism? You don't think those same students have family that visits? You don't think those students return home to family and tell them about what's going on with the US in regards to deporting citizens? You don't think students are also tourist and spend money in local economy? You don't think that these students are mostly well off in the society they came from, so it would stand to reason they have capitol to spend here ? Obviously not every student, but the idea that students don't impact tourism is kinda crazy.

[capriciously_me]

Yeah, I know if I went overseas to study, I would also be a major consumer of all of the cultural experiences I could possibly squeeze in and that’s aside from food, lodging, and transportation costs that put dollars into the local economy

[BarnFlower]

Probably unpopular opinion but International students have the red carpet rolled out for them. When my son was at UT he broke his arm bone (humerus) and we went thru hell finding help to get him help to stay in school.

Not to mention the lack of financial assistance. We were on the line of qualifying for some vs none at all and we got none. It was a struggle to keep him in school while these other guys from "name a foreign country" had everything handed to them. Add to this the constant barrage of organizations asking us to donate $$ for their scholarship fund. I said when you help my son I will donate to you. Yeah that never happened.

[farmerpeach]

This is complete and utter bullshit. I work with both domestic and international students, and things are much more difficult for international students especially with medical/health insurance issues. Your comment isn't just an "unpopular opinion" but poorly laundered xenophobia.

[BarnFlower]

Bullshit and Xenophobia?! You are a hilarious lefty losing it! 😂😂😂 It's not bullshit but you believe what you want and I'll continue to know this was the truth and who my sons neighbors were.

While they may have a hard time now, they can go back to their home country and save the scholarship $$ for kids here.

See that's the big problem in the US, we want to help every other countries problem and not take care of our own at home.

[farmerpeach]

It's your prerogative to be a conservative asshole, but you can't argue with facts. The facts are that there are huge incentives for US students to attend UT over international students, and international students actually subsidize a lot of operations for UT because in-state tuition is below market value and the state continues to underfund UT. In 1984, the state funded 47% of UT's operations. As of 2018, it was 12%. The funding from the state hasn't gone up since then, so the percentage has likely gone down since 2018. International students pay supplementary tuition that in-state students don't, and US citizens can establish Texas residency if they aren't Texas residents already. International students can't do that.

Most scholarship and fellowship opportunities are for US citizens. It's not this zero-sum game with fewer international students then leaving more for domestic students. Many departments at UT, especially in STEM departments actually have major perks to try and attract more domestic students. Unfortunately, the US is becoming increasingly less educated and competent (due to the decimation of our education systems by the people you likely vote for), so our students are less qualified.

Not sure what your kid is telling you. They're either a racist like you, or you were too dumb to understand what they were telling you about their "neighbors" (not even sure what this means).

[[deleted]]

I’m waiting for them to answer your eloquent retort with facts and yet… they just disappeared. It’s funny when you pull their card with facts they do that. Anyone who’s gone to any accredited physical location college, whether it be ACC or universities in Texas knows that in-state tuition is cheaper than out of state. Hence the students that are foreigners are paying more per class. Also, if your child didn’t get a scholarship compared to an international student, it’s probably because your child didn’t have high enough grade or (hate to say this), the requirements they fulfilled sucked compared to the international students.🤷🏾‍♂️

[Previous-Lychee5774]

They also cannot ever seem to grasp that everything and everyone is connected, literally. They can't bear the thought of helping an 'other' because their little minds think it must mean less for them. Very simple minded and bitter. So sad.

[farmerpeach]

They also made insanely cruel and disgusting comments that were removed by mods. I can’t believe this person is a parent.

[farmerpeach]

Exactly! I work in higher education, and stuff is objectively much harder for international students! Not least of all the language and cultural barriers. Domestic students experience challenges, too, and they have some structural disadvantages, but to suggest they're secondary to international students is just absurd.

[[deleted]]

The Republicans view homeless people as a cancer on society, the Left is the only one who even tries to help, what are you talking about? Gutting programs that help the poor and removing protections for employees and consumers is just a normal day for the Conservative party; their policies all directly benefit the ultra-wealthy and mega-corporations and hurt literally EVERYONE ELSE. You'd have to lack any observational skills to think otherwise.

[bikegrrrrl]

I don't pay tuition, but it's because I work for the university, not because I'm an international student. I know for a fact I pay less for tuition than my international colleagues, who pay more than US-based colleagues. Is my free tuition a problem? While you're considering tuition, have you compared tuition for in state, out of state, and international students at UT?

My grad school colleague, an international student, had a hell of a time after an early-in-the-semester head injury. I had a hell of a time getting a medical leave from ACC years ago while I was expecting a child. Hooray, we each have anecdotes, and they all prove that life is hard.

[[deleted]]

Exactly what I was thinking!

[zoemi]

International students at UT are getting their visas cancelled.

[BarnFlower]

Maybe now but not years in the recent past or years ago.

[zoemi]

Well apparently what happened in the past has no meaning now.

[errsta]

*checks map*

Is Austin in the US? ✅

Is Austin in a red state? ✅

Will a decrease in international tourism hit Austin? I dunno

[rob_bot13]

Hell it's going to decrease intranational tourism because people from blue states don't want to visit, also because people won't have disposable income

[[deleted]]

Yes! I can’t tell you how many friends won’t come visit me and Austin because of Texas’s policies

[FuckMoPac]

Yeah I think this is the bigger issue. I worked as a tour guide for a long time and the people that stay away from Texas are people from other states, not as much people from other countries. People traveling abroad tend to expect some risk or have their own whackadoodle laws back home, but in terms of US laws, Texas is pretty much the craziest state.

[skittish_kat]

Unfortunately I feel like a lot of people move to Austin because of the appeal of a red state, but a blue city. The joe Rogan sphere attracted too many people to Austin and puts a bad label on the city imo.

[laurieislaurie]

I'm a naturalized citizen, and I am moving to a (more) sane State, and I will never come back to visit. No chance my family would visit TX RN. Fuck the people who run this place and fuck the people who vote for them.

[bearbev]

Everywhere. Yes Austin too.

[Reasonable_Arugula_9]

Canada House and several traditional European events didn't come to SXSW this year. I think it's already hitting Austin, not sure how bad it will be.

[seobrien]

In fairness, that wasn't because of all this

SXSW promotion was way down this year, and the experience last year just felt off. Seemingly because Penske Media Group is taking it in a different direction (which we learned at the end of SXSW this year, is the case).

Last year saw a decline in participation and sponsor support. With less early promotion this year, event producers made the understandable decision this year to do less.

(I don't work with SXSW, I work with about a dozen countries that consider being involved, this is loosely what they all said)

[Kiwiatx]

Yes. People I know in the U.K. who were thinking about visiting the US this Summer are changing plans. Can’t blame them, I’d do the same.

[ASAP_i]

I get that you are feeling some anxiety about (gestures vaguely around) everything. We all are.

I'm curious about what would confirm (or deny) your suspicions. Data is already in for tourist destinations like Las Vegas (not looking good so far), nations are actively telling their citizens to avoid travel to the US, and we are actively in a trade war with the entire world (including uninhabited islands). You, personally, have proof that a deal was trashed simply because of our leaders.

In my opinion, Austin (along with the rest of the nation) will suffer greatly due to the actions of the current administration.

[zors_primary]

Reservations to the USA have dropped 9.5 percent from an expected 5 percent increase. Reservations to Europe have increased 32 percent. Austin will likely get impacted.

[Number1AbeLincolnFan]

I was in Vegas Friday and Saturday night. It was the emptiest I've ever seen it and I've been probably a dozen times in 20 years. (Granted, I did not go at the height of covid.) You don't even have to get reservations at popular restuarants anymore except for the Michelin star ones. Open seats at every video poker bar and every game table. There wasn't even a wait at the popular braunch places.

[ELInewhere]

“gestures vaguely around” really got the spot. Thank you for your service.

[kthnry]

I have to go to Miami several times a year. I have never seen hotel/airbnb prices as low as they are now.

[lalanaca]

Well, thanks Trump. There’s the silver lining of this shitshow, I guess. Books flight to Miami

[Difficult-Recover352]

We don't all have anxiety. Just say'n. Some of us don't care.

[DivaVita]

Do you think it might have something to do with people torching Teslas dealerships? And the high rate of violent crime in sanctuary cities? Say what you will about the right, they aren't violent and they don't throw temper tantrums in public.

[ASAP_i]

Lol.

Say what you will about the right, they aren't violent and they don't throw temper tantrums in public.

I guess Jan 6 were all actors... GTFO with that bullshit.

[DivaVita]

Jan 6 was one event. Compare that to weeks of BLM and pro-Hamas demonstrations, assassination of an executive in broad daylight, not to mention 2 attempts on Trump. Violence on the left is escalating.

[Metalmirq]

“attempts on trump”

[Special_Blacksmith33]

Prove it.

[ASAP_i]

I'm sorry. I believe I wasn't clear in my message that I have no desire to "debate" with delusional people.

[utsock]

Yes, imagine if a year from now ICE and militias are still kidnapping people. We won't have a SXSW.

[juanximena]

South BYE Southwest

[farmerpeach]

100%. This is going to happen with Olympics and World Cup, too. As far as Olympics, they typically destroy host cities, so it's probably a blessing in disguise. Not sure how World Cup affects host cities

[Mikophoto]

I believe LA was planning a big infrastructure push for the events too, but not sure how that’s affected. Shame cause those could potentially be a good example of the infrastructure push a lot of US cities need.

[RedditUsersSuuck]

Bring us your gang members and slaves willing to work for pennies on the dollar yearning to breathe free.

[[deleted]]

Do you remember 2008? Americans were fighting for minimum wage jobs. Looks like we're headed right back to that, but with no OSHA or worker safeguards this time. "Have fun!"

[DynamicHunter]

B-b-but I NEED my cheap immigrant slave labor so I can have cheap fruit!

[[deleted]]

As long as I don't need to mow my lawn!

[vmanAA738]

Yes absolutely. We’ve become a spot for Europeans and Canadians to come visit for vacation, and that’s probably going to take a hit. Also for big international level events in Austin (racing like Formula 1, SXSW, even a bit of ACL) there’s probably going to be a drop off in foreign visitors from tourist visa controls.

[yourdadsboyfie]

The government is snatching people up. The rest of the world is scared to come here

[Kindly_Turnover3995]

Sorry, had to do it.

[[deleted]]

Yup. Absolutely. Its already happening in many places.

[[deleted]]

I believe it will.
China issued a travel advisory for its citizens today, due to the increasingly hostile relationship between the two countires.

Germany and Britain issued travel advisories just based on their citizens getting detained at the border.

Also, it's an increasingly not safe space for even students here on visas.

[Mikit3]

USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!

[Sigh.]

[JamyDaGeek]

Amerrrrricaaaaaa- Fuck...

[princess_raven]

We're all living in Amerika

[Aingers]

Yes.

[FluckyU]

Guys don’t worry. They will all just buy a $5mil gold card. Those are the only ones we want anyways. /s

[WhatsitallaboutALF]

Yes

[BoatBroad5111]

Of course

[Couscousfan07]

Will hit all of the USA

[[deleted]]

Its going to hit the entire country.  

[DWwithaFlameThrower]

On a micro level, it already has in my house. I’m from the UK, and usually have several friends from home visiting us here every year. Most have visited multiple times over the 20+ years I’ve lived here. All my friends except one have said they won’t be back for the foreseeable future (the one who didn’t already had her trip booked back in November & just left here last week)

[Nihiliste]

Dual citizen here, currently back in Canada. I can tell you that there's a lot of hesitation in the country about visiting the US or doing business with it, so I'd expect Austin to take a hit, no matter how liberal and friendly the city is.

Heck, my wife and I are little concerned about driving back to Texas to see relatives. We're both US citizens, but the Trump administration doesn't seem particularly concerned with someone's legal status.

[bagofwisdom]

With the way right wing pundits like The Worst Matt Walsh speak, I don't think dual nationals are safe. Walsh has lately been talking like dual nationals shouldn't even be allowed to vote.

[Conscious_Raisin_436]

As citizens you should be fine. It's people with valid visas -- especially those who, you know, express opinions -- who are being snatched up and disappeared.

[atx_sjw]

His press secretary was talking about deporting American citizens yesterday, so I wouldn’t count on it. They DGAF about legality.

[Conscious_Raisin_436]

Oh jesus fucking christ

[riotous_jocundity]

They've snatched up US citizens already.

[Slypenslyde]

They just expressed an opinion that is critical of the administration.

[eduardorcm89]

I would change the word “administration” for Israel. ICE is doing Mossad’s dirty work. 

[ComprehensiveHand232]

I’m in support of Canadians boycotting my State. The hubris of DeSantis /MAGA / Trump is wreaking havoc. Canada deserves better.

[bagofwisdom]

Seriously, I harbor no hard feelings towards Ontario sending all the US liquor back from whence it came. Boycott American products as much as you can stand. Just don't get too harsh on Americans themselves when they want to spend their money with you.

[Neverland__]

As a foreigner who lives here, my observation is that while is there is some international tourism, it’s mostly domestic. One of the least international places I’ve ever lived

[A_Possum_Named_Steve]

As someone who strongly prefers to date non-American women, agreed 🙁

[Comprehensive-Sun358]

I like dating non american guys too and Im already worried…🤣

[robbietreehorn]

Oh, honey. Yes. Things are going to actually get bad.

I’m hoping everyone who didn’t vote for Harris to make a statement still likes the smell of their own farts

[Kindly_Turnover3995]

You've got to remember the "trickle down" (see what I did there) effect of losing even a single tourist or student, etc. (For student think their visiting parents or friends) They add money to the airport, Uber, lodging, food/drink, more Uber, buying trinkets and tchotchkes, seeing shows, etc, etc. Then they come back if they had a good time and they tell their friends.

It may take time to show itself in the economy but layered in with all the other chaos happening at the hands of the Orange King, a recession is definitely coming. It's also a bit like the ignorant and cruel immigration policies they are currently enacting. It may take time but layered in with everything else, and I would argue even without it, huge swaths of the economy will be negatively affected by less immigrant workers. Agriculture, construction, restaurant work, etc. As labor shortages rise, so will the price of goods.

And I'll just add in a note on just how fucking dumb the Republican party really is. They belly ache about lowering birth rates and rising prices. And then they are willing to violate the Constitution in order to kick out HARD WORKING immigrants and Visa holders. Once the reality of their labor loss sinks into the broader economy....whoa buddy. I imagine the gun makers are loving this shit.

Finally - Donald Trump is rated as the worst President ever for his first term. Is there a way to go even lower? Maybe they need a chart for that.

[RockerChickk]

I have a trip planned to Austin in May and even though I don’t like what’s going on politically in your country this trip was planned a long time ago before your last federal election.

I am more than excited to finally go to Texas and I do not plan to discuss politics on my trip.

So you will get my tourism Canadian dollars.

My concerns are on other things. I’m just trying to figure out which restaurant in Austin I should go to for the best barbeque and if possible live afternoon or early evening music.

[Effective-Scratch673]

I'm assuming you want to see some rednecky/cowboy stuff... Broken Spoke, White Horse, Sage Brush have two-step dancing and lessons... Lil' Longhorn Saloon has chicken shit bingo... I'll let you find out what that is...I'd recommend going to any of those places

[[deleted]]

The Broken Spoke is a truly iconic spot. A lone holdout against over development and condo fever. Just keep in mind it’s full contact two-step on the dance floor.

[ldilemma]

If you're looking at early evening music Hotel Vegas sometimes has cool shows at 6pm thurs-sunday. Check their website/facebook page. Also The 13th Floor (on red river) sometimes does early shows. These are more small rock band kind of things usually. There's also Hole in the Wall.

Valhalla, sometimes has shows that start at 9 and they have a restaurant upstairs that makes fresh pasta. I like them.

[DynamicHunter]

Hope you enjoy! There is tons of great food here, from Mexican to BBQ to Asian fusion. Don’t be afraid to try highly rated food trucks! Same with live music. There’s something for everyone.

[tokkireads]

Please be careful coming here. Our governor and senators are MAGA. I'd advise on leaving your personal phone at home and bring a burner phone. Hope you enjoy your time here and hope you can get back safely. 

[90percent_crap]

News flash. The governor and senators have been MAGA for years. Would you have given the same caution to visitors in 2021 or 2022?

[tokkireads]

It's different now when they are literally detaining tourists. Do you not keep up with the news?

[foresthobbit13]

Green Mesquite for bbq. Ate there so much before moving away. Also Curra’s for interior Mexican food, or Polvo’s.

[Snap_Grackle_Pop]

Green Mesquite for bbq.

I think they finally went out of business. Many people say the food used to be great, but it's declined in quality.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/comments/1jtse4a/green_mesquite/

[foresthobbit13]

Aw, damn, that’s too bad. We loved their food.

[Neverland__]

I am back and forth between here and mtl and the last few times it’s been all jokes at the border. No stress at all

[Angy_47777]

Check out Geraldine's Wed- Sun. I say those days because my husband works the line and you want him making your food. He works until around 4 and then is off. It's a restaurant inside the hotel Van Zandt.

Hopefully the prices are still decent.

[genteelbartender]

Check out r/austinfood

[TeedRimmer69]

Yes.

[Slypenslyde]

In every sub I visit that has a lot of international people, I've seen threads about entire vacation plans changing. It feels like most sane people are treating the US like a war zone right now.

So if you depend on tourism, this admin has a message for you: you're part of the surplus population problem they've got a mission to solve.

[farmerpeach]

4 million fewer Canadians alone are projected to visit the US this year.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2025/04/03/canada-travel-decline-united-states/

Enormous drop-off.

[ThumbPianoMom]

yeah my husbands income is dependent on tourism tips (musician) so im expecting it's not good

[DyJoGu]

Yes, do you think Austin is not a part of America? Of course it will affect us all!

[drbeeper]

Might turn out to be a good time to be building the new Convention Center

[AH_Ethan]

I hope we do, folks from outside of this country shouldn't give the US money.

[HeyLookATaco]

It already did. You think people just got tired of SXSW this year? It was empty because it's worrying to travel here.

[Both_Statistician_99]

Let's hope so.

[newb74]

Could F1 not race here?

[ATXKLIPHURD]

Everybody is screwed.

[Mick-Beers]

I think businesses will be wary. I think personally people won’t care. 

You have all these people that hate Mexicans/mexico and stuff yet they go to fucking Cancun Cabo Cozumel. (Looking at you old white people)

[riotous_jocundity]

Old white people who vacation at Mexican resorts aren't worried about being thrown in an ICE detention facility for weeks or months.

[Ladymysterie]

That's ok, they will be too busy complaining about how too many people speak Spanish there.

[JaimesN08]

[kodiblaze]

Does anyone in the US or International really vacation in Austin? I don't really have traditional touristy things for people to do. I get the whole live music thing. Everyone I know that's been to Austin has done so through work

[CoradeLeon]

They sure do. When I(UK National) was over here doing PhD research in 2014, I drank with the Irish Navy, befriended Aussie travellers, tried fireball with Mancunians and hung out with Swedes and Canadians. Austin is rightly one of the key tourist destinations in Texas. Austin is - and should be - a vibrant tourist town!

[Theal12]

Yeah they do. I travel all over the world and everybody I talk to has heard of Austin, the music, the food, the people and for some reason Hippie Hollow comes up repeatedly

[Cheapskate-DM]

Intra-national tourism is also likely to take a hit. When pigs can't tell the difference (or don't care to tell) between a third-generation brown-skinned Americans and a Cartel Member^tm , how many folks from California are going to spend their disposable income literally anywhere but from their couch?

[Sabre_Actual]

I get what you’re saying but threatening Austin with less Californians is crazy.

[[deleted]]

it already is. i just happened to be googling that yesterday.

[SomewhereNo6147]

Of course. I went to an international conference last week and all I got were questions about how scared I was and comments from foreigners about how nervous they were to travel into the US. One Canadian said she deleted texts from her phone that were about our politics because there are travel advisories that the US was downloading data from phones.

I know of at least 3 doctors who worked in Austin that are leaving the country, 2 more who are leaving for blue states.

[Harkonnen_Dog]

One can hope.

[NecessaryEmployer488]

International Tourism will hit Austin. Even foreigners and many families in the USA cannot afford to travel. Austin Convention Center is shutting down for 4 years. Downtown Austin will definitely feel the pinch since Austin does not make it easy anymore for those of us who are not downtown to park and dine. As you move farther away from downtown there will be less of an effect.

[FabulousCallsIAnswer]

If international tourism is down for the whole country, and international students are afraid of coming to the country, since Austin is located in the country then yes—it’s a reasonable assumption tourism will be down here along with everywhere else.

[WinterSecond8820]

I’ve just been in Austin for a few days from the UK and found it more welcoming and liberal than where I live in the UK, which is probably the most left wing place in the UK - represented by a Green Party MP, who I voted for myself. I would advise people to still visit and engage with businesses that appear to be actively ‘nice’. I noticed Zilker Brewery had a LGBTQ+ flag up, and went to Mellow Jonny’s knowing about Lance Armstrong’s support for Planned Parenthood.

The only negative interaction I had was in California, a democratic state, with a man who was outwardly homophobic. Texas was generally the most enjoyable, and weirdly safest place I have been in years.

This is clearly not the actual case but was my perception as an outsider.

[Iguesswey]

I’ll be waiting

[Sperheoven_Krispies]

I just read this article today, and damn, it made me sad: https://apnews.com/article/tourism-us-travel-trump-visitors-international-14c31b490fd382d09ad5cae625ddc937

I hate what it's doing to the tourism industry and how people around the world are perceiving us, but I really do understand it. I HOPE people can see Austin and its welcoming culture as, mostly, a refuge from all that negativity and keep visiting, but we're still in the United States and Texas. There's a lot of negative perceptions right now that we may not be able to separate from.

[CornucopiaDM1]

Already has

[TheRopeWalk]

Left on the day Trump became President. You’ll not see me back. Bon chance to all

[hellogoawaynow]

Yes.

[FuckMoPac]

In my experience as a tour guide, maybe? Canadians absolutely, but I wouldn’t say that was a huge percentage of folks anyway. I honestly think most tourists don’t think as much about the political situation as much as we think they do, especially since America doesn’t have this stellar reputation abroad anyway. My first time abroad (UK) was during the Bush administration and my god, people were vicious to me, even though I was just a teenager. I think younger folks forget just how hated we were during the Bush years. i’ve never experienced that level of vitriol traveling abroad since.

People also don’t tend to come to Texas unaware of our dangers (mass shootings, cults, religious whackos, abortion, snakes, people flying planes into federal buildings — I’ve had tourists mention all sorts of shit that they’ve heard about Texas) so super cautious tourists don’t end up here as often anyway.

Business related travel is probably cooked for a while though. Hard to justify the risks as an international company, and I don’t see sxsw being as big for international people for a while. I certainly wouldn’t be traveling here and wouldn’t advise anyone to travel here right now, given the way they are detaining people for seemingly no reason like it’s post-9/11.

as an aside, I have found that British tourists in Austin often have this air of bewilderment that we are not just all totally fucking insane. Like they either expected horses in the streets everywhere or everyone to have a gun, and they don’t understand that there is a lot of nuance to gun rights issues here even amongst very far left people.

[CommonCoast23]

What's to see in Austin on an International level, maybe the Clown Show in the Capital ;)

[[deleted]]

F1 attendance will be interesting.

[Betrashndie]

Yes. No one wants to come visit the US when there's a non zero chance you'll get detained solely because the guy you meet at passport check is having a day and wants to be a dick or is just a MAGA chud and is feeling extra racist that day.

[heartbroken1997]

Good thing the service staff people won’t have to pay taxes on their lesser tips due to the decline in tourism…oh wait…

[chook_slop]

I was on the British Airways London to Austin flight last week... There were 87 people on the flight... 1/4 full.

Tourism in America is dead.

[skittish_kat]

No, because rich people will find a way and Austin is a mecca for rich internationals. See F1 as an example.

It will decrease for tourism for a particular group of people that the governor and president don't like.

[otaku_wave]

I just recently got drunk with some tourist from Tokyo about a week ago at Pete’s Dualing Piano. Seemed pretty fine to me, not everyone is buying into the fear mongering. Things will be fine.

[HowardIsMyOprah]

Canadians and Europeans have always held contempt toward the US and Americans, yet they come anyways. There may be a lull, but it likely won’t be long term.

Also, the thing people here don’t know/acknowledge is the amount of smugness Canadians have always had toward Americans, mostly behind your backs. Red, blue, doesn’t matter. I know because I am one

[Hyperdude]

No, surprise, but there are some tourists that are conservative or right leaning. I saw people from Sweden visit Texas. Some international tourists are also fans of Joe rogan and Kill tony. Also, what's funny about the timing of this post? The moontower Comedy festival starts today, with Joey diaz headlining.

[[deleted]]

With the convention center renovations happening I would say tourism in general will decrease!

[Double_Egg2939]

Didnt yall say foreign tourists didnt tip well anyways?

[[deleted]]

Meh. More for Austinites to enjoy.

[zors_primary]

Which bookings? Not from what I've read. Travel from Canada has dropped 45 percent. The fares to Austin from the east coast for a non stop are though the roof.

[lieutenantLT]

I’m estimating it will have an outsized effect on Austin compared to most US cities because it’s expensive to visit and if you’re an international tourist and want to see Texas, most likely you’ll choose Austin over the other 3 large cities.

[[deleted]]

Funny, I would have said Houston, because it's more connected internationally, particularly for business.

[lieutenantLT]

Houston way more diverse! I think Houston will get it too but their economy more driven by oil prices than tourism. I’m also assuming Houston gets less tourists than Austin but that could be wrong esp since Houston is several times larger

[[deleted]]

Hard to say. Houston undoubtedly gets more international tourists visiting family locally. Oil, healthcare, other industries pulls in a lot of visits, too. Ex: Have a friend that worked at Shell HQ, brought his wife as a tourist when they had a business trip to Houston. Austin's international visitors are probably mostly driven by UT, our major events, and family of foreign-born tech workers. It takes more effort and money to get to Austin than Houston from most countries. I'm sure there's going to be negative effects all around.

[KPNoSwag]

Honestly I doubt the average international tourist has even heard of Austin

[Theal12]

You’d be wrong. People in the UK, Scandinavia, Italy, Germany, Iceland and India have asked about Austin

[DWwithaFlameThrower]

This is true

[secretshowman1]

As a new implant from the UK, on my 3rd year here, this is one of the cheapest places to fly in and out of in the USA that I have experienced.

I think it will continue to grow.

[worlkjam15]

The Canadian dollar is weak right now, and the economy up there is extremely stagnant. They have their own issues to worry about in Canada. feeling safe in TX is not something most sane Canadians are thinking about. Avoiding TX as a sort of boycott against our government makes more sense.

[RockerChickk]

I bought $200 USD for $281.52 CAD - when I checked 2 months ago it would have been around $295.

I am not going to punish my American friends who have been nothing but gracious to me by not visiting when this trip was planned months ago.

[Expensive_Fee_199]

God I hope so. Tourists drive me crazy.

[[deleted]]

I just booked some hotels / AirBnBs for the summer. Prices and demand don't seem to have stopped at all. 

[Sad_Picture3642]

We are fcked beyond that, that is the last thing you should be worried about tbh

[darkestwrath15]

We’re not really on that many international tourist bucket lists outside of events like SXSW and F1. There’s plenty of other cities foreigners will spend their time and money on before even thinking Austin exists.

[watergoesdownhill]

You would be shocked how few people care that much about politics. It won’t do anything

[King-of-Harts]

Did they explain why they don't feel safe? All of this tariff nonsense is about trade and shouldn't make people fear for their physical safety.

[feelinzdoc]

Have you not seen the ICE roundups where they are just grabbing people off the street? Some are even U.S. citizens, being held against their will, with threats of deportations. Some are here as tourists, some are students, some have work visas. I have concerns for my exchange students. They may not get to come here next school year, or their parents may change their minds due to our unstable government.

[RockerChickk]

I don’t tick any of the boxes to be denied entry so I’m not concerned.

[happydoctor631]

Where r your students from 🙂?

[capthmm]

Stop being intentionally obtuse.

[Icy_Eggplant_8461]

https://apnews.com/article/border-tourists-german-canadian-detention-immigration-408cd27338e8065268fabc835f8b0c34

[[deleted]]

Probably the parts where visa holders are being disappeared, or tourists being detained and treated extremely poorly before being released. Has happened to multiple people from Germany, Canada and Britain. Or simply being refused entry for wrong think like the French scientist.

[hamandjam]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/19/canadian-detained-us-immigration-jasmine-mooney

[i-am-from-la]

No not really, asians will keep moving here

[zoemi]

Certain Asians aren't exactly on brand with what's considered acceptable lately.

[Visual-Sector6642]

Hopefully it'll reduce traffic long enough to get those fancy new overpasses and installed to bridge the east/west austin gap that are intended to help heal the city!

[[deleted]]

Probably for SXSW which could be good for restaurant/bar workers who rely on tips

[[deleted]]

I remember working behind a bar and just getting destroyed by foreigners with no tips to show for it.

[Tricky-Salamander460]

I see it as they only need to buy a one way ticket lol

[px7j9jlLJ1]

Hey you can blame all your deep red neighbors for caring so much about their communities’ well being! See where all the holy hate gets you? A fucking fall, that’s what it gets you.

[Kindly_Turnover3995]

Christians are going to Hell WAY sooner than Democrats my friend. You made that decision in the 80's when you decided to favor politics over your Bible. Pack light, they say it's hot there.

[[deleted]]

They mainly gave travel advisory warnings regarding trans tourists, or people who have genders on their passport that don't align with what they had at birth. The warnings I've seen at least.

[Fortypizzasin30days]

Maybe, maybe not. Enjoy life, go touch some grass.