It's easy to say that Donald Trump is having a tremendous impact on travel, but that might even be a bit of an understatement when you consider a New York Daily News report that signals a dramatic decrease in the number of foreign visitors that are expected to make their way to New York City.
According to the report, officials fear a drop of 300,000 tourists year-over-year from 2016-a tourism plummet some credit to the Trump administration's rhetoric and much-maligned travel ban.
The numbers come by way of NYC & Company, which sees upwards of 12.4 million tourists from International locations flocking to Manhattan and other boroughs over the course of 2017. While that sounds like an astounding number, consider it represents what would be the first drop in tourism numbers since 2008's recession.
The reason given is possibly twofold: Some have a distaste for President Trump's policies, rhetoric and controversial embrace of the term "America First." Of course, others would be worried about getting in and out of the country freely after an executive order banned migration from seven countries earlier this year. While that order has since been halted by the courts, its impact has been felt all over the world, including at United States borders.
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Earlier this month Eben Peck, ASTA's senior vice president of government affairs and communication, explained how dramatic the executive order's impact had been on travel in a report from TravelPulse's Robin Amster.
Peck states: "The way this was implemented, and all the confusion it has created, is having an impact beyond just people coming into the country from seven countries. We are seeing an impact on corporate travel business and on outbound and inbound travel."
A major draw like New York City could feel the pains of a polarizing political landscape.
NYC & Company echoes the sentiment, via NY Daily News: "These updated figures take into account changing attitudes about travel and access to the U.S. since the previous forecast was announced in October 2016, prior to the new administration."
A revision to October's prediction came, "in light of the recent travel ban and related rhetoric."
Domestically, things are healthy and vibrant on the tourism scene. Americans will still head to NYC to catch a show, eat at amazing diners and enjoy what is generally accepted as the cultural heart of the country. The report states tourism to the city will bloom to nearly 62 million visitors, precisely thanks to these domestic travelers.
According to the report, this hardly helps the economic impact of this dreadful forecast. That's because foreign visitors spend a lot more money than domestic travelers - to the tune of four to one.
So you see something has to be done, which is why NYC & Company invested $3 million in a "New York City: Welcoming the World" campaign.
NYC & Company president Fred Dixon explains: "While projected declines among travelers are concerning, the irrepressible hospitality and welcoming nature of New York City gives us confidence that our destination will continue to appeal to visitors from around the world. We will work tirelessly to do all we can to preserve our City's tourism industry in the months ahead."
The message is clear: "All are welcome."
Despite your politics. It's clear that some prospective International visitors don't exactly feel that they are welcomed.
Business owners, chefs, bartenders and, yes, tourism officials, hope to stave off such a significant drop in interest with a simple but profound message.
Despite what you have heard, you are very much invited to come see our spectacular sights.
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