HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As the summer travel season kicks off, experts say international tourism to the United States is sputtering, and Houston is already feeling the impact.

Houston has long been a hub for international travel, with Mexico serving as its largest source of visitors. Data suggests that air passenger traffic to and from Mexico dropped by 73,000 persons between January and February.

Fewer international travelers are landing at both George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports, according to figures from Houston Airports . But it's not just in Houston; this pattern is playing out nationwide. The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates the U.S. could lose up to $12.5 billion in visitor spending this year alone.

A mix of economic and political factors may be driv

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