Trump Comments on U.S. Tourism Decline – Travelers Cite Trump's Policies

President Donald Trump responded to a reporter’s question Wednesday on why he thinks tourism to the U.S. may be down: He said it could be nationalism on the part of tourists from other countries, though also said he “doubts it.” 

“There’s a little nationalism there, I guess, perhaps,” he said in response to a reporter’s question about the drop off in tourism from Western Europe and other countries that have faced harsh rhetoric regarding trade and other issues in recent months. But he also said, “There may be a little bit of nationalism, but I doubt it, I actually doubt it.”

Overall visits to the U.S. from overseas fell 11.6% in March compared to the same month last year, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration. Visits from Western Europe dropped 17.2%, and those from Germany declined at an even faster pace: 28.2%.

Travelers from several countries say they are less likely to visit the U.S. as a result of the political environment and policies of the Trump administration, according to an exclusive new survey from Skift Research.

Among the findings: Nearly half (46%) of respondents across five countries surveyed say they are less likely to visit the U.S. due to Trump’s presidency, with negative sentiment strongest in Canada (62%) and Germany (59%).

The number 1 reason for not wanting to visit was the political climate: 63% of those who said they weren’t likely to visit cited this reason. In addition to the political climate, deterrents cited included safety and security as well as trade policy.

Trump downplayed concerns that the drop could also be in response to highly publicized incidents of tourists being detained or mistreated. “No, we treat our tourists great,” he said. “We’re the tourism capital of the world.”

Several countries have adjusted their advisories for travel to the U.S. in recent weeks. An advisory from Germany notes the risk of “arrest, detention, and deportation.” Canada warned its citizens to “expect scrutiny.”

The value of the U.S. dollar has slid in recent weeks as part of what some are calling the “Sell America” trade. Trump added that the weak dollar could help reverse the declines by making the country's services cheaper for visitors. “Our dollar is a little bit on the low side, and that means a lot of tourism is going to come in.”

Curated by Jade Wilson

Tourism & Experiences Reporter

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