From Manhattan’s breathtaking skyscrapers to New Orleans’ vibrant jazz scenes and Hawaii’s idyllic beaches, the United States has traditionally been a top overseas travel destination for Danish tourists. However, Danish travel agencies are now reporting a significant drop in bookings for trips across the Atlantic.
According to Danmarks Rejsebureau Forening (the Danish Travel Agency Association), travel agencies have observed declines ranging from 15% to 50% compared to the same period last year. Check Point Travel reported a 40% drop in bookings for February and March, while Jysk Rejsebureau noted a decrease of approximately 32% in the first three months of the year. Similarly, Spies experienced a 40% decline, and TUI registered a 25% reduction.
Political uncertainty deters Danish tourists
The primary reason behind this decline appears linked to the political climate in the US following President Donald Trump’s election. According to Niels Amstrup, director at Jysk Rejsebureau, travelers are making a statement by choosing alternative destinations: “Many people are saying to me that they no longer want to visit the US,” said Amstrup. “There’s no doubt that it’s connected to the political situation there.”
Henrik Særmark-Thomsen, bureau chief at Check Point Travel, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the drop.
“We’ve never experienced anything like this before, especially in such a short period,” he stated.
Interestingly, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), a major carrier connecting Denmark to various USA destinations, has not reported a similar decline according to their press manager Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji.
Danish travelers seek alternatives
While interest in the USA wanes, Danish tourists continue to travel—just elsewhere. Travel agencies are noticing increased bookings to Southern Europe, Africa, South America, and Canada.
“Many travelers are choosing Canada,” explained Henrik Særmark-Thomsen, “due to its impressive national parks and abundant wildlife, which are similar attractions to those found in the US.”
Data from Danmarks Statistik supports these observations, indicating that popular European destinations such as Spain, Italy, and Greece have maintained their appeal.
Uncertain future for USA tourism
Despite the shift to alternative locations, travel agencies hope for a normalization in travel patterns. However, uncertainty prevails. “It could become the new normal,” admitted Niels Amstrup, “or perhaps travelers will return eventually. But at the moment, the future of travel to the USA feels uncertain.”
Travel experts and agencies alike remain watchful as they navigate the shifting landscape shaped by geopolitical developments.
