US: Travel industry fears a ‘lost decade’ under Trump

Like many Washington lobby groups, the US Travel Association was quick to congratulate the new president on his victory last November. “We are encouraged that Mr Trump’s extensive business and hospitality background … will make him a ready and receptive ear,” the trade organization said. On the Republican’s inauguration, the USTA’s CEO, Roger Dow, pledged the industry as a “capable, willing partner.” But almost immediately, things started to go sideways. A steady drumbeat of news and policy proclamations seemed likely to damage America’s $250b travel industry and its roughly 15m US employees. Initial contacts between Trump and leaders of Australia, Germany, Mexico, and China didn’t go well, resulting in negative publicity in countries that send lots of travellers to America. Then came the majority Muslim nation travel bans, with protests and news coverage that made for a global public relations disaster. The first ban, since suspended by the courts, resulted in the detention of foreign travellers. The second, changed from the first, was frozen before it could take effect. Trump is appealing. Meanwhile, the White House has instituted an airline cabin restriction on electronic devices for people flying from airports in eight nations. And last week, a US State Department policy was revealed that mandates extra vetting of visa applicants in nations where US-bound travellers must apply for one. This includes inspection of social media accounts for some and is likely to make it more difficult for millions of people to travel to America.<br/>