Political Shifts Hurt U.S. Bookings, But Canadian Travel Boom Offers New Hope Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 for Dertour

Published on November 27, 2025

Dertour, one of Germany’s most prominent travel agencies, has recently experienced a noticeable decline in its bookings to the United States, attributing this slump to the ongoing political climate since the presidency of Donald Trump. According to the firm’s head in Germany, the company does not anticipate a recovery in demand for U.S. tours in the immediate future. However, in contrast, trips to Canada have become increasingly popular, with North America now ranking third among long-haul destinations for Dertour, based on current summer bookings.

Decline in U.S. Bookings and Political Impact

Since President Donald Trump took office, Dertour, a leading provider of tours in North America, has reported a double-digit percentage drop in the number of German travelers booking trips to the United States. The company’s CEO, Boris Raoul, explained that the political situation in the U.S. continues to have a negative impact on demand. The political climate has been cited as a key factor influencing travelers’ decisions, with many potential tourists choosing other destinations instead. Raoul emphasized that the current trend shows no signs of reversing, and further declines are expected in the short term.

While this slump in U.S. bookings has proven challenging for the German tourism group, the company remains optimistic about other regions. Particularly, the increase in demand for Canada, a North American destination, has provided some relief. The shift in consumer preferences toward Canada, as well as other international destinations, has been a significant factor in maintaining Dertour’s position within the competitive travel market.

Canada’s Growing Popularity as a Travel Destination

Although U.S. travel has faced setbacks, trips to Canada have surged in popularity. With its diverse attractions, rich culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes, Canada is quickly becoming the go-to destination for many German travelers. As demand for Canadian vacations rises, Dertour has reported that North America, as a whole, has secured third place in the rankings of long-haul destinations based on bookings for the upcoming summer season. This shift reflects not only a change in consumer behavior but also highlights the growing appeal of Canada as a prime vacation spot.

Hope for Recovery with the FIFA World Cup

Despite the current challenges, Dertour remains hopeful that major global events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in cities across North America, could help revive interest in U.S. travel. The event, expected to attract millions of fans from around the world, is seen as a potential catalyst for boosting demand for tours to the United States. The company is banking on the World Cup to drive interest in U.S. destinations, leading to an increase in bookings for the U.S. in the near future.

While the long-term effects of the World Cup on U.S. tourism remain uncertain, Dertour is optimistic that this major sporting event could play a pivotal role in reshaping consumer interest in traveling to the United States. The global nature of the FIFA World Cup offers a unique opportunity to rekindle international tourism and create new travel patterns, particularly for fans attending the event.

Dertour’s Overall Positive Performance Despite Setbacks

Despite the decline in U.S. bookings, Dertour has managed to maintain a strong position in the broader tourism market. For the 2024-2025 tourism year, which ended in October, the company reported an 8% increase in the number of German guests, a positive indicator of continued interest in international travel. Additionally, revenue for the year rose by 12%, reflecting a strong financial performance amid the challenges faced in the North American market.

Looking forward, early bookings for the 2026 summer season are already showing a promising 18% increase, signaling a continued upward trend for Dertour’s business. This optimistic outlook suggests that travelers are still eager to explore destinations worldwide, and Dertour’s efforts to adapt to changing consumer preferences are paying off. The positive growth in other markets, along with the rise in demand for Canadian vacations, has enabled the company to offset some of the losses incurred from the U.S. downturn.

The Future of Dertour in the Changing Tourism Landscape

Dertour’s ability to adapt to the evolving travel landscape will likely play a crucial role in its future success. As the company navigates the challenges posed by political factors and changing travel trends, it will need to continue to diversify its offerings and focus on emerging markets. The shift in demand towards Canada and other destinations could offer new opportunities for growth, even as the U.S. market remains sluggish.

Furthermore, the upcoming FIFA World Cup may prove to be a turning point for U.S. tourism, offering Dertour a chance to tap into a large influx of visitors to North America. However, it will be essential for the company to remain flexible and responsive to consumer trends and geopolitical factors in order to sustain its position as a leading travel provider in the German market.

Conclusion

Dertour’s experience with the decline in U.S. bookings highlights the impact that political climates can have on international tourism. While the slump in demand for U.S. tours has been significant, the company’s strong overall performance and growing popularity of Canada as a destination demonstrate its resilience. As Dertour looks toward the future, the potential boost from the FIFA World Cup and its continued focus on emerging markets will be key to its success in the coming years.

[Source: Reuters]