Photo via Flickr/Gage Skidmore
The election is over and the results are in - Donald Trump will become the 45th president of the United States of America. While some travel agents are happy with the result, others have anonymously described their feelings as "shocked," "disappointed," and "afraid."
How the new presidency will affect the travel industry remains to be seen. Rumors suggest that Trump might change the travel policies to Cuba and some are concerned that his presidency will keep nervous citizens at home instead of traveling. We asked agents to share their feelings about the next POTUS and these hot topics.
"First thing I did this morning was pray for our elected leaders and our nation," said Mario Scalzi, president of ParkerVillas.com. "It was important from a travel perspective that the result was conclusive. Election cycles without incumbents are typically problematic - each side is afraid the world will end if the opposition wins resulting in a paralyzing effect. An undisputed outcome allows folks to quickly switch their focus back to their own lives - especially travel. Losing sides are always incentivized to get out of Dodge for a while, just as winners see travel as an opportunity to celebrate. Glad it's over."
Christina Ernst said that it was difficult reading the news stories online today. "I took the results hard since I run three businesses based on travel," said Ernst, of VIP Southern Tours Wine Tours. "I have had a few clients reach out to me regarding moving, but I think this attitude will change in a few years. I am concerned on short-term travel with clients, and international travel. I do believe we will see a surge in last-minute travel on both inbound and outbound travel this holiday season."
"Between hotels, casinos and golf courses, Trump has a demonstrated interest in the hospitality industry," Rick Hurlbut, a travel industry professional. "While his personal assets will now be placed in a blind trust, there's good reason to believe he will enact policies which benefit the tourism industry - if only to further his own business interests."
Sergio Barros, director of sales for the Tenerife Bureau of Tourism, believes that the Trump presidency will positively influence the value of the dollar, "making it more affordable for travelers to visit Europe, and Tenerife in particular," he said. "His presidency might impact tourism to Mexico and perhaps tourists will now seek out other Spanish-speaking destinations, such as Spain and the Canary Islands."
Marjorie Laflin of It's a Fine Day Travel, said she's taking a wait-and-see approach. "I think both inbound and outbound travel will depend on Trump's relationship with the other countries of the world," she said. "Better relationships foster more travel opportunities. On the topic of Cuba, the GOP is historically against engagement. Nevertheless, I foresee a reversal of all or nearly all of the recent executive orders to liberalize travel and commerce with Cuba but again, only time will tell."
Simply put, Lynda Hawkins does not think that political opinions on the outcome of this election has anything at all to do with the travel industry. "At this time, it's impossible to predict what Trump's goal on Cuban travel will be," said Hawkins, who works at Best Connection Travel.
However, Greg Geronemus, the co-CEO of smarTours is concerned about this relationship. "I believe that there is no better way to help the Cuban people than to send Americans to engage in meaningful, people-to-people exchanges," he said. "Ever since Obama's historic announcement in December 2014 and the massive influx of American travelers, we have seen tremendous progress in Cuba, and there's no better example than the privately owned restaurants (paladars) that have served scores of American travelers. The owners of these restaurants have benefited financially and many have reinvested in their communities to restore buildings and help others. I'm hopeful that President-elect Trump will do the right thing, but I'll also add: if you really want to go to Cuba, go soon."
Shari Latif said that Trump has bigger issues than Cuba to deal with. "I don't think we will really know where Trump is heading until he starts picking his cabinet and advisers," said Latif, Travel Designer/Founder at Treasured Travel Experience. "I don't think he will have an impact on Cuba at least not at the beginning."
Geronemus sums up this election season rather well. "Regardless of your politics, this has been a rough election, and I firmly believe everyone needs a vacation," he said.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
