Peter Gelb, general manager of the Metropolitan Opera, has pointed out that ticket sales have dropped alongside a decrease in tourism to New York City, which coincided with the Trump administration’s stricter immigration policies.
During this period, the Met sold 72% of its seats, slightly below its yearly projection but consistent with the 2023/24 season’s figures. International buyers accounted for 11% of sales, falling short of the expected 16%.
This decline in international visitors reflects a broader trend across the city, with New York City Tourism & Conventions lowering its 2025 international visitor forecast by 17% in May 2025.
Long-term factors also play a role: before the pandemic, international ticket buyers made up about 20% of the Met’s total sales.
Gelb also highlighted that recent global economic uncertainty has affected consumer spending habits.
“We were on track to continue improving,” Gelb said. “The last two months of the season were disappointing — our projections were higher, but I attribute missing our goals to a sharp drop in tourism.”
He added, “It’s unfortunate, but these are the times we live in.”
Gelb noted that while the Met sold as many tickets last year, more were discounted, especially in the final two months of the season.
“The stock market’s volatility made people feel insecure,” he explained. “In one week, advance sales for next season dropped significantly, then rebounded.”
