US tourism set to fall by 7% with ‘Trump Slump’
It’s all anyone can talk about in the travel industry of late, and it’s shaping the world’s movements in ways we never expected.
And now, Travel Weekly US has claimed a decline in foreign tourism could be as much as 6.8 per cent, and it’s not limited to the seven Muslim countries targeted in the travel ban.
According to travel statistics specialists Forward Keys, flight passengers from the seven Muslim-majority nations named by Trump were down by 80 per cent in the last week of January and first week of February.
Meanwhile, online flight searches to the US out of all global destinations was recently down by 17 per cent.
And if this drop continues, this could mean billions of dollars of damage to the US tourism economy, not to mention jobs for people in hotels, restaurants, the transport industry, tour operators and more.
According to the Global Business Travel Association, just one week after Trump announced his ban against specific international travellers, business travel in the US had dropped close to $185 million.
But it’s not just business travel that’s suffering, with local tourist offices lamenting a similar fate. While New York City alone has a sturdy $60 billion tourism industry, the boss of the city’s tourism agency has recently claimed their effort to portray America as a welcoming destination to foreign citizens “was all in jeopardy”.
But speaking to Travel Weekly Australia during the Visit USA (VUSA) roadshows, VUSA president Kylee Kay said while they had anticipated “backlash” over the various political movements of late, interest in travelling to the US was actually on the rise.
“We definitely expected [interest in the US] to suffer backlash with the political movements of late, but we found there was a lot more talk than action,” Kay told us.
“Clients with dual passports are concerned about travel, both planned and unplanned, but there’s been more demand despite all the talk.
“The fact it’s so bizarre gives people more reason to talk about it, and the reasons to engage with the US is higher than usual.”
Kay also said a slight drop in overall travel to America couldn’t be instantly blamed on Trump, because some years people might just prefer a different destination for their holiday, or a trip to the US is more convenient at another time.
“What’s worse than being talked about? Not being talked about,” Kay added. “It’s business as usual for the US [and wholesalers] unless you hear otherwise.”
Airbnb recently used their SuperBowl ad spot to combat the Trump ban, being one of the many travel industry figures to chime into the global debate.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) President & CEO, David Scowsill did not hold back in an issued statement expressing the association’s view on the ban saying it goes against travel and tourism fundamentals and is “wrong” while urging POTUS Trump to reconsider his stance on immigration to the US.
“WTTC believes that all people have the right to cross international borders safely and efficiently for business and tourism purposes. The blanket suspension of admittance of travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen to the US flies against this principle,” he said recently.
Intrepid and MD James Thornton have also voiced strong opinions on the issue, stating, “Intrepid spoke out about the travel ban because we believe that businesses can be a force for good and should stand up for their values.”
“Global companies shouldn’t operate in silos and it’s particularly important to consider the part they can play in advocating for staff, customers, and the communities they operate in.”
Meanwhile, The Travel Corporation’s CEO Brett Tollman feels politics is not the realm of the travel industry, saying, “It’s not our place”.
TripAdvisor CEO Steve Kaufer issued a decree condemning the travel ban as “cruel and discriminatory”.
But what does our own Aussie travel industry think about the ‘Trump Slump’? Are your US sales lagging? Get in touch with hannah@travelweekly.com.au to share your comments.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
CATO commemorates 25 years with anniversary dinner
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has announced its 25th Anniversary Dinner that will not only commemorate CATO’s historic milestones but will also provide an invaluable opportunity for members to network and reflect on numerous significant achievements. This prestigious event for members will be held at the Sydney Hilton Hotel on Thursday, 20 June, […]
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
You haven’t done your research very well. Skiing in the USA is the most expensive in the world (except for maybe Australia itself), there is nowhere else more pricey!
Lift passes in the USA are particularly expensive. Accommodation in Europe (and anywhere else for that matter) is a lot better value too.
To state that skiing in the USA is the best in the world is absurd – to suggest the resorts in the USA are remotely even in the same league as European resorts is incredulous. The near total lack of ski-in ski-out accommodation is atrocious. All the largest US resorts are tiny compared to resorts in France. Italy and Switzerland and the larger Austrian resorts. Even Canadian Whistler-Blackcomb (biggest in North America) is only the 33rd largest ski resorts in the world. the 32 bigger ones are all in Europe.
Either you have done any research at all, or you are basing this by comparing small unpopular resorts in the USA (that no one would fly across the globe specifically to visit) and comparing to the bigger and more well known resorts elsewhere.
enquiry rate for USA at end of the year is through the roof, which can be partly explained by the reduction in costs in going skiing in USA, mainly due to competition.
The USA resorts love Australians as we often go in their quiet times like January.
For those who don’t know, it’s now far cheaper to ski in USA, than Canada, Japan, Europe, Australia or New Zealand.
We’re talking spacious & quality apartments, on snow, for under AUD$100/person for accommodation & lift tickets, based on minimum stays of 10 nights. Have kids or fill every bed in an apartment & the per night rate is more like AUD$65/person.
The skiing in the USA is probably the best in the world & the combination of getting there cheaply & cheap on snow means USA snow resorts will boom.
on the contrary … there will be 1000’s more $700 type return fares this year from BNE, SYD, MEL to USA & not talking Hawaii, which will stimulate travel to USA.
The AUD$ is strong at 77 cents. Have dozens of clients who are buying their U.S. dollars now for travel later this year.