According to a USA Today report, an “inhospitable political climate” created by President Trump’s temporary travel ban could deter foreign tourists from visiting the U.S., costing the tourism industry $18 billion in lost revenue.
The report cites president of Atmosphere Research Group, who said, “the U.S. has put an unwelcome mat at our front door” with these policies, among which include advanced vetting procedures for all foreign visitors.
Estimates say that 6.3 million fewer foreign travelers will visit the United States in 2018, according to the article. This is a departure from past years, as international tourism has risen by 23 million people from 2009 – 2016, according to the U.S. Travel Association.
People took to social media after to express their concerns over these projections and the economic repercussions.
Trump’s travel ban could cost US tourism 18bn. He said he’d impact the economy. Didn’t mention he’d do so negatively.
— Eric James (@ericjames2020) March 30, 2017
Others say, however, that this loss in revenue is a small price to pay for the guarantee of security.
Trump’s travel ban could cost $18B in U.S. tourism, analysis shows https://t.co/Ho2mZIw6Kt via @USATODAY worth it if it saves lives
— NøWhining (@Lildabadoya) March 30, 2017
Some have also said that Trump’s policies are not to blame, and that tourists may not want to visit the U.S. because of recent protests and municipal mismanagement.
Still, people been looking on the bright side, saying that a lack of tourists may take away some of life’s minor inconveniences.
