CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'... NO MORE

Tourists are boycotting America as anti-Trump sentiment spreads across the globe. EMILY WRIGHT reveals the lookalike destinations to book if you plan to skip the States but still desire its beauty and rugged adventure

- EMILY WRIGHT

IT WAS supposed to be a bumper year for US tourism, a return to pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 77 million foreign visitors enjoying the sights on offer. But not any longer. Since President Trump’s global trade war and threats to colonise Canada, America’s attraction appears to be fading fast for tourists.

Once-iconic destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Southern California are now drawing fewer international travellers, as political opinions overshadow the American holiday dream.

According to figures from the US International Trade Administration, the number of Britons heading to the US dropped by 14% last month compared with the same period last year. For some populations from parts of western Europe that figure is even higher - 29% for Germans and 43% for tourists from Luxembourg. And there are signs of even steeper declines on the horizon, as the summer travel season approaches.

Consequently, many holidaymakers are rethinking their travel plans and seeking alternative destinations that offer the same magic without the controversy — so, if you're one of them, here are the experts’ top-tier substitutes for America’s most beloved spots...

SWAP SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FOR MARBELLA, SPAIN

SPAIN’S Costa del Sol and its beautiful seaside towns are an excellent match for Southern California’s iconic coastline.

Across the pond, Laguna Beach is renowned for its coves, while Santa Monica State Beach is known for its pier and amusement park. But with similar resorts in Spain, the area is often referred to as the “California of Europe”, according to Sean Woolley, director at property website Cloud Nine Spain.

“Marbella and the Costa del Sol also share the same weather and glamorous lifestyle but boast a safer, more cosmopolitan environment.”