CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – The United States could miss out on billions of dollars in tourism this year, according to a report from the World Travel and Tourism Council.

The report suggests the United States is on track to lose more than $12 billion from international travelers in 2025.

Analysts warn the losses won’t just hurt the travel and tourism industry, but could be a blow to the overall economy.

Despite the report, tourism leaders in Cape Girardeau say the city is holding steady.

“We’re all we are all the representatives and the first person that tourists might meet. When you’re talking to anybody, any stranger, you don’t know, just remember, make their experience great,” said Brenda Newbern, tourism manager for Cape Girardeau.

Newbern said that just this year, the city has collected more than $1.1 million in tax revenue.

“Tourism in Cape Girardeau is a combination of the golf course, youth sports, tourism, conventions, conferences, and leisure travelers. So that’s the overall picture for us. We’re small towns, so you know, we’re more like about history,” Newbern continued

Cape Girardeau’s unique history, paired with scenic views like the riverfront walk, keeps tourism steady, even as other cities see a decline.

“You have your history, people. That’s just going to be coming whenever they are interested in making those trips for history, because we’re one of the places you can get the stamp for visiting all the different forts and historical sites,” Newbern continued.

Newbern also shared how the city and state of Missouri are expected to see an increase in tourists by November 2025.

“We are doing very well to be stable for our area. I don’t see us going down. I see us doing better,” she said.

Newbern also said everything in the Cape Girardeau community is impacted by tourism tax dollars, and they are doing very well.

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