“Navigating Uncertainty: Travel Groups Urge Vigilance Amid Potential Trump Travel Ban”

ASTA and the U.S. Travel Association responded to statements found in one of Trump’s numerous executive orders on Monday that may result in a travel prohibition from nations deemed a security threat.

The order emphasizes “enhanced vetting and screening” for individuals entering the U.S. and requires that within 60 days, security agencies along with the State Department create a report “identifying nations worldwide for which vetting and screening data is so inadequate as to necessitate a partial or total halt on the admission of nationals from those nations.”

ASTA recommended “caution and moderation.”

“As the administration takes the next 60 days to assess security measures that could lead to travel restrictions, we advocate caution and moderation,” stated ASTA CEO Zane Kerby in a declaration. “The administration holds a responsibility to ensure our nation’s safety. However, sweeping ‘entire country’ travel bans hinder legitimate business and deter friendly foreign visitors who enhance our economy and leave with a more favorable impression of our country and its citizens. Most critically, travel bans provoke retaliation from affected nations and their allies and adversely impact Americans’ willingness to travel internationally.”

Trump’s directive was anticipated: he promised during his campaign to reinstate the travel ban from his initial presidency. The revised ban enacted by Trump, upheld by the Supreme Court, prohibited citizens from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen from entering the U.S.

Prior to the inauguration, ASTA urged Trump not to reinstate a travel ban, arguing that “blanket travel bans do not enhance our safety, bear significant economic and reputational consequences, predominantly impact lawful airline travelers, and their execution will do little to impede bad actors from accessing our nation’s borders. Specific threats should be managed with specific policy measures.”

A representative from the U.S. Travel Association indicated that any travel limitations ought to be accompanied by an invitation.

“Security and travel are interconnected,” the representative remarked. “It is crucial to evaluate any talks of potential travel constraints through the perspectives of both national security and maintaining America’s image as a hospitable destination. Policies that may limit visitation should be temporary and aimed solely at ensuring security while minimizing disruptions to lawful travel.”

During Trump’s first term, international arrivals reached 77.2 million in 2017, 79.7 million in 2018, and 79.2 million in 2019, according to U.S. Travel Association statistics. In the last two years of Barack Obama’s presidency, international arrivals totaled 77.8 million in 2015 and 76.4 million in 2016.

Although inbound U.S. tourism increased in the 2010s, U.S. Travel pointed out that market share continued to decline, with tourism expanding more in other nations.

U.S. Travel highlighted that numerous significant sporting events are lined up to be hosted in the U.S. in the next decade.

“With major events approaching such as the World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics, the U.S. holds a remarkable chance to present itself as a premier destination for travelers globally,” the representative stated.