United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Tighter security discouraging foreign visitors to US
The latest travel industry figures show the number of foreigners coming to the US is disappointing to tourist officials
“That is slowing the recovery of hotels, airlines and other businesses that are counting on a surge in commerce from the weak US dollar,” concluded the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper.
Overseas travel to the US this year is expected to be 15% below the peak year of 2000, according to the Travel Industry Association (TIA).
The number of international visitors should have been above 60 million this year, instead of an expected 46 million, said Roger Dow, TIA’s CEO.
The decline was attributed to anti-Americanism sentiment because of the war in Iraq, but perhaps even more to the “hassle factor” associated with new visa applications and security procedures, tourism officials say.
But they add aggressive campaigns by other countries to lure tourists have also had an impact.
Visitors from abroad accounted for more than $93 billion in spending and economic activity in the US last year, according to Commerce Department estimates.
In another sign of lowered US popularity, visa applications from foreign travelers dropped by one-third since 9-11 levels. Fewer foreign students are also applying to US schools.
Several tourist associations are lobbying the US government to ease entry into this country and to spend more money promoting tourism.
“Some US travel executives — including those who run Disneyland and Walt Disney World — think the government needs to do more to improve the country’s image with foreign tourists who increasingly are choosing other places for their vacations,” said New Target Network.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel