What:
According to the U.S. Travel Association (USTA)’s “Travel Trends Index” released in June, international travel to the U.S. increased by about 4 percent this April when compared with the same time last year. However, on June 26, the Supreme Court ruled that a limited version of President Donald Trump’s 90-day ban on travel to the U.S. from six mostly Muslim countries will go into effect. Excepted are foreigners with a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the U.S.
Why It Matters:
Despite fears that the Trump administration would slow incoming international tourism, the USTA report shows otherwise. But the Supreme Court’s recent ruling may alter this positive course. (Previously, both versions of Trump’s travel ban were blocked by lower court rulings.) In the meantime, agents should update clients and prepare them for potential disorder and confusion in American airports.
Fast Facts:
- USTA’s Travel Trends Index is compiled using sources such as hotel and airline data in partnership with Oxford Economics, a global forecasting and quantitative analysis company.
- USTA statistics suggest that a slowdown in international travel that began spring of last year may be diminishing.
- Data from the U.S. Commerce Department has shown a decline in international arrivals over the second and third quarters of 2016; however, such statistics take months to compile and will not include 2017 arrivals until 2018.
- USTA data does not include incoming international travel statistics such as border-crossing travel by car from Mexico and Canada.
- The approved ban, which bars people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, will take effect 72 hours after being cleared, according to President Trump.
- Justices will hear full arguments in October.
The Details
U.S. Travel Association
www.ustravel.org
