How the Travel Industry Addresses Trump Slump

It's no secret U.S. tourism has taken a hit since President Donald Trump took office last year.

In fact, the latest figures from the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Travel and Tourism Office and Bureau of Economic Analysis show a decline in international visitation and spending.

Additionally, all-important international arrivals—who typically stay longer and spend more—declined four percent nationwide from January through July, totaling 41.1 million. Visitation from Canada increased by nearly 5 percent, while inbound travel from Mexico saw a sizable dropoff of 8.5 percent.

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The U.S. Travel Association expressed concern over the 3.3 percent decline in international visitor spending through November 2017 compared to the same period the previous year. The organization said the drop translates to losses of $4.6 billion spent in the U.S. economy and 40,000 jobs.

"For our country to have any hope of closing the trade gap, international inbound travel must perform, simple as that," said U.S. Travel President and CEO, Roger Dow in a statement. "After almost a decade and a half of relatively sustained post-9/11 recovery, since 2015 there’s been evidence that the country has gotten complacent with the policies needed to support this vital economic engine and job creator."

U.S. Travel plans to launch the Visit U.S. Coalition January 16 to address the decline. The alliance will bring together multiple industries aiming to partner with the Trump administration on solutions.

"Flourishing international travel is vital to President Trump’s economic goal of sustained three percent GDP growth, and the Visit U.S. coalition is being founded for the express purpose of helping him achieve it," added Dow.

Despite the downward trend in overseas visitors, New York City and Los Angeles reported tourism growth in 2017.
New York welcomed an estimated 61.8 million visitors last year, up approximately 1.3 million from the previous year, NYC & Company spokesman Chris Heywood told USA Today.

Although the city reported a slight decline in international visitors—hosting 12.6 million in 2017—the loss of 100,000 foreign tourists compared to 2016 was less than the 300,000 New York's tourism marketing organization originally forecast.

"We ended the year at an all-time record high. Earlier in the year, after the Trump inauguration, we were very concerned about the international numbers," said Heywood. "To some extent, we still are. The good news was that Canada did quite well—better than expected."

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Meanwhile, L.A. experienced 2.2 percent growth, welcoming 48.3 million visitors last year. The 7.1 million international arrivals outperformed the city's forecast.

While Trump's policy and rhetoric have undoubtedly created obstacles, both New York and L.A. have been proactive in sending a welcoming message to overseas travelers by partnering with foreign cities and launching multi-million dollar campaigns to attract visitors.