ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The number of international travelers booking trips to the United States continues to slump.

Travel research firm Tourism Economics predicts that the U.S. will see 8% fewer international visitors this year. Industry experts cite a combination of unpopular policies under the Trump administration and rising travel costs as contributing factors.

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For many visitors, political perceptions are shaping travel decisions.

"It is because of the political climate, of course," said Jenny Hovre, who is visiting from Sweden. "We, from Sweden, we’re not so fond of the guy in charge [President Trump], so a lot of people go to different places instead of going to the States."

The World Travel and Tourism Council projects the U.S. will lose $12.5 billion in r

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