The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is once again pushing back against the Trump administration's latest move to potentially expand the current travel ban.
The White House recently demanded action from 36 additional countries within 60 days to avoid being added to a list of 12 countries receiving a full ban and seven others facing restrictions on travel.
According to ASTA and the organization's President and CEO, Zane Kerby, the list includes countries that include multiple destinations that are vital to both business and leisure travel.
What's more, the bans can lead to reciprocal bans for American travelers or at least generate harmful perceptions that can put a damper on international travel.
"Every administration has the responsibility to protect national security, and that duty should never be taken lightly. But sweeping, country-wide travel bans are a blunt instrument accompanied by sweeping, unintended consequences—hindering legitimate business, discouraging visitors who strengthen our economy, while simultaneously discouraging Americans from traveling abroad," said Kerby.
"Travel bans, and simply the threat of such bans, don’t just disrupt inbound travel; they risk diplomatic strain and create uncertainty that ripples throughout the travel industry. That uncertainty harms the businesses of our travel advisor members, 98 percent of which are small businesses comprising an essential piece of the U.S. economy," he added.
"ASTA acknowledges the real need for effective visa compliance and traveler vetting, and we hope our leaders will work collaboratively with the nations involved to resolve those issues without cutting off entire populations. We urge U.S. policymakers to pursue balanced, thoughtful solutions that uphold both our safety and our ideals while allowing the travel industry to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment."
"Safe and secure travel is not just a good policy. It is the foundation of international cooperation, economic growth and mutual understanding," Kerby concluded.
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