The US travel ban on citizens of seven Muslim majority nations will likely be counter-productive, impacting its tourism arrivals.
The Presidential executive order may also tarnish the US, according to the Pacific Asia Travel Association.
PATA has recognised that each country has the right to protect its borders but is opposed to any form of blanket travel ban based upon nationality, gender, race or religion.
Safety is the number one priority for the travel and tourism industry and this may only be addressed effectively through the concerted efforts of the world’s governments and international community working together," said PATA CEO Dr Mario Hardy.
"The Association has been advocating improved visa facilitation for some time and last year we praised the Republic of Indonesia for its vision in easing access to the nation’s many attractions for tourists from 169 countries. Governments must build bridges, not walls, and we encourage all nations to work in harmony and unison to ensure that this vital industry remains profitable and sustainable for the benefit of all."
Tourism promotes ‘understanding and empathy across borders and cultures’ and the actions have just created confusion for airlines, tour operators, hotels and travel companies around the world., PATA said.
