Global travel organizations have lined up to criticize President Trump’s travel ban, calling for it to be repealed immediately.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) called it a counter-productive move that could severely impact inbound tourism.
Echoing the PATA statement, the World Travel & Tourism Council said it goes against the ‘fundamental right of freedom to travel’ and has only created ‘immense confusion among travelers and travel companies.’
"Preventing ‘aliens’ from entering the US for legitimate purposes is misguided and counter-productive for the American economy," WTTC CEO David Scowsill said.
IATA also took issue with the ‘additional burdens on airlines to comply with unclear requirements, to bear implementation costs and to face potential penalties for noncompliance.’
"We ask for early clarity from the US administration on the current situation. Moreover, we urge all governments to provide sufficient advance coordination of changes in entry requirements," IATA said.
The country’s standing in the world may also be tarnished, UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said.
"Besides the direct impact, the image of a country which imposes travel bans in such a hostile way will surely be affected among visitors from all over the world."
