The expected growth of overseas visitors coming to the US for conventions and trade shows is not as robust as it should be. Travel observers blame two factors: tight visa regulations and a crackdown on illegal immigration.
“The Department of Homeland Security wants to keep out anyone perceived to be a threat, so you must have legitimate business to come in. However, even that is a struggle,†Stephen hacker, president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, told Meetings Midamerica.
Visitors from the 27 Visa Waiver countries, which primarily include Western Europe, do not have the problem. But it is particularly acute in emerging nations such as India and China.
Demographics are a key for who gets into the US. But oftentimes, single males from China are denied entry because of fears they will stay illegally in the US.
Other roadblocks are in place as well. In Brazil, for example, there’s a three-month waiting list to obtain a visa to the US.
World figures from the US Tourism Industry Association report that international travel to the US has fallen by 17% since 2001. Other surveys show growth has been flat which is bad news for the industry because it should be robust.
“With our dollar down, there should be a tidal wave of tourism here,†said Mr Hacker.
Not all US association want to grow globally, but many medical and other professional organizations have maxed out their US potential and are looking worldwide.
Some areas such as Las Vegas have stepped up trade mission efforts to boost convention attendance.
Report by David Wilkening
