U.S. Takes Charge: How Trump’s Western Hemisphere Vision Could Reshape Tourism in the Americas

WASHINGTON (TRI) — As the dust settles from the U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, President Donald Trump’s declaration that the United States will “run” Venezuela during a transitional period has ignited speculation about broader American ambitions in the Western Hemisphere. Reviving echoes of the Monroe Doctrine — a 200-year-old policy asserting U.S. dominance in the Americas to counter foreign influences — this move could signal a new era of intervention aimed at curbing migration, securing resources like oil, and countering adversaries such as Iran, China, and drug cartels. For the tourism industry, this shift could transform travel dynamics across the region, potentially stabilizing volatile destinations while introducing new restrictions, investments, and geopolitical tensions that affect visitor flows.

Tourism Reporter examines how an expanded U.S. role in the Western Hemisphere — encompassing North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and extending northward to include strategically vital Greenland — might alter the landscape for travelers, from enhanced safety in high-risk areas to potential boycotts or visa changes. While speculative, experts warn of both opportunities and risks, with the potential for increased American-led infrastructure projects boosting accessibility but also sparking regional backlash.

Defining the Western Hemisphere: Countries and Key Locations

The Western Hemisphere refers to the half of Earth west of the Prime Meridian, primarily including the Americas and extending into the Arctic. Geopolitically, it spans from the Arctic to Antarctica, covering about 35 countries and numerous territories. Key regions and examples include:

• North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iconic tourism spots like New York City, Toronto’s urban vibrancy, Mexico City’s historic sites, and natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon or Banff National Park.
• Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Highlights include Costa Rica’s ecotourism hubs like Monteverde Cloud Forest, Panama Canal cruises, and Guatemala’s Mayan ruins at Tikal.
• South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Must-visits range from Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro and Amazon Rainforest, Peru’s Machu Picchu, Argentina’s Patagonia and Buenos Aires, Colombia’s Cartagena, and Chile’s Atacama Desert.
• Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and others (including U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Popular for beaches in Jamaica’s Montego Bay, Cuba’s Havana, and the Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana resorts.
• Arctic Extension (Greenland): The world’s largest island, an autonomous territory of Denmark, geographically part of North America but strategically vital in the Arctic. Key attractions include Nuuk’s cultural sites, Ilulissat’s UNESCO-listed ice fjord, dramatic glaciers, Northern Lights viewing, and emerging adventure tourism in areas like Disko Bay.

This vast area already attracts over 200 million international visitors annually, generating billions in revenue, but U.S. “charge” could prioritize security and economic alignment, potentially reshaping access and appeal.

Potential Tourism Transformations Under U.S. Influence

Trump’s vision, as outlined in statements from allies like Senator Marco Rubio, emphasizes making the Western Hemisphere a “safe haven” free from threats like drug trafficking and foreign proxies. In Venezuela, U.S. plans include rebuilding oil infrastructure and selling resources to fund recovery, while maintaining embargoes to pressure remaining leaders. This could extend to other nations, with experts fearing precedents for interventions in places like Cuba or Nicaragua—and renewed pressure on Greenland, where Trump reiterated on January 4-5 that the U.S. “absolutely” needs the island for national security, citing Russian and Chinese activities, and refusing to rule out force.

For tourism:

• Enhanced Stability and Investments: U.S. oversight might stabilize conflict-prone areas, reducing travel advisories. In Venezuela, post-Maduro reconstruction could revive attractions like Angel Falls, Margarita Island beaches, and the Orinoco Delta, drawing eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Similarly, in Colombia or Honduras, intensified anti-cartel efforts could make sites like San Andrés Islands or Copán ruins safer, boosting visitor numbers. American companies might invest in infrastructure, such as upgraded airports in Panama or highways in Peru, facilitating easier access. In Greenland, expanded U.S. presence at Pituffik Space Base could spur investments in tourism infrastructure, like new airports in Nuuk and Ilulissat, enhancing access to ice fjords and Arctic experiences amid growing global interest.
• Visa and Travel Restrictions: Expanded U.S. influence could lead to harmonized visa policies, potentially easing entry for allies while tightening for others. For instance, Cuban tourism — already limited for Americans — might face further curbs if U.S. pressures escalate, affecting Havana’s colonial charm and Varadero beaches. Conversely, streamlined processes for Mexico or Canada could enhance cross-border trips to places like Baja California or Vancouver Island. Greenland’s visa-free access for many nationalities might see changes if U.S. security priorities dominate.
• Economic and Resource Focus: With Venezuela’s oil as a model, U.S.-led resource management might prioritize energy tourism, like guided tours of revitalized refineries or eco-friendly oil sites in Guyana or Trinidad and Tobago. This could shift South American tourism from pure leisure to educational experiences, appealing to business travelers. Greenland’s rare earth minerals and melting ice could open new Arctic routes and mining-related tours, though environmental concerns persist.
• Geopolitical Tensions and Boycotts: Allies and foes alike express concerns over U.S. unilateralism, potentially leading to boycotts from countries like Brazil or Argentina if they perceive overreach. This might deter European or Asian tourists from U.S.-influenced spots, while boosting alternatives like Chile’s wine regions or Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands. In the Caribbean, islands like Barbados or Saint Lucia could see mixed impacts: greater U.S. aid for hurricane resilience but scrutiny over Chinese investments. Greenland faces heightened tensions, with Danish and local leaders rejecting annexation threats, potentially causing short-term advisory spikes or boycotts affecting its burgeoning tourism sector.

Country-Specific Impacts

• Venezuela: As the immediate focus, U.S. “running” the country could reopen Caracas for cultural tourism and Mérida’s Andes for hiking, but short-term instability might spike advisories.
• Cuba: Wariness in Havana suggests potential U.S. pressure, limiting cruise stops and affecting Trinidad’s colonial sites or Viñales Valley tobacco farms.
• Mexico and Central America: Enhanced border security might reduce migration-related disruptions, benefiting Cancún resorts or Belize’s barrier reefs, but could introduce stricter checks.
• Brazil and South America: If U.S. pushes against Chinese influence, Amazon ecotourism in Manaus or Iguazu Falls might see U.S.-backed sustainable initiatives, though diplomatic friction could arise.
• Caribbean Nations: U.S. dominance might standardize safety protocols, aiding recovery in Haiti or boosting Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, but raise sovereignty concerns.
• Greenland: Renewed U.S. claims could accelerate infrastructure like international airports, boosting visits to icebergs and Northern Lights, but provoke backlash reducing European arrivals and raising safety perceptions.

Outlook: Opportunities Amid Uncertainty

While Trump’s approach aims to dominate the Western Hemisphere for U.S. security and economic gains, tourism stakeholders anticipate a mixed bag: potential for 10-20% growth in stabilized areas like Venezuela or Colombia, but risks of a 5-15% regional dip if tensions escalate. Travelers may see more packaged “Americas Tours” emphasizing U.S.-friendly destinations, with emphasis on adventure, culture, and sustainability.

As developments unfold, monitor U.S. State Department advisories and regional responses. For now, the Western Hemisphere’s tourism future hinges on whether U.S. charge brings unity or division.