The U.S. is suffering a sudden deflation in tourism from overseas, based in part on economic uncertainty and on fears triggered by widespread reports of visitors beging detained or refused entry under the new U.S. administration.
A new study by the World Travel and Tourism Council, representing travel industry firms, says the so-called ‘Trump Slump’ is headed for a $12.5 billion revenue drop, to $181 billion, compared to last year, to a level 22.5% below the ten-year-ago peak.
WTTC president Julia Simpson said that “While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the US government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign,” adding that “There are also concerns over visas—whether they’ve got the right visa or might accidentally get arrested, which has made people quite fearful.”
Figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce show drops of around 15% in arrivals from Britain and South Korea, and over 20% from Germany, Ireland, Japan and Canada.
