A significant shift in travel sentiment is emerging as holidaymakers reconsider trips to the United States following the announcement of stringent proposed social media checks at the border. A comprehensive new survey conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has analysed the responses of 4,500 individuals from numerous countries participating in the ESTA visa waiver programme, revealing deep concerns among potential visitors.
Survey Reveals Widespread Tourist Apprehension
The findings, reported by Sky News, indicate that a substantial one-third of international tourists admit they would be less inclined to travel to America if the proposed social media screening measures are implemented. The proposals, announced by US Customs and Border Protection in December via a mandatory notice in the Federal Register, could require overseas visitors to submit their social media activity from the past five years for official scrutiny.
This policy means that any online expression perceived as anti-American sentiment could place tourists in serious difficulty with border officials, potentially barring entry. The WTTC estimates that if such deterrence leads to a decline in visitor numbers, tourism spending in the US could be slashed by a staggering $15 billion (approximately £10.8 billion), with a devastating impact on employment.
Economic and Employment Consequences
The council warns that the proposed measures could jeopardise as many as 157,000 jobs across the American travel and tourism sector. Notably, 66 per cent of survey respondents stated they were already aware of these potential new regulations, highlighting the rapid dissemination of concern among the travelling public.
This is not the first instance where alarms have been raised about the impact on US tourism. When the proposals were initially unveiled, travel expert Peter Greenberg, known as The Travel Detective, told BBC 5 Live Breakfast that the United States risked forfeiting enormous tourist revenue if the plans proceeded. The CBS News Travel Editor elaborated, questioning the affordability of additional proposed measures, including a potential $15,000 bond to guarantee visitors depart after their visa expires.
"How many people can afford that?" Greenberg asked. "Adding to that [the bond] is the new proposal that tourists may have to provide five years of social media history that needs to be inspected. Add those things together and you'll understand already why there's been a huge drop in inbound travel to the United States this summer, resulting in lost revenue that can never be recouped."
Balancing Security with Economic Realities
American President Donald Trump has previously addressed concerns about the plans affecting tourism, emphasising to Sky News that safety and security are paramount. "We want safety, we want security, we want to make sure we're not letting the wrong people come into our country," he stated.
However, WTTC CEO and President Gloria Guevara has underscored the severe economic trade-offs. While acknowledging that border security is "vital," she outlined the considerable damage the new plans could inflict. "Security at the US border is vital, but the planned policy changes will damage job creation, which the US administration values so much," Guevara explained.
She further cautioned, "Even modest shifts in visitor behaviour, discouraged by the planned changes, will have real economic consequences for US travel and tourism, particularly in a highly competitive global market." The debate continues as travellers and industry experts weigh the necessity of security protocols against the potential for significant economic fallout and a decline in America's appeal as a premier global destination.
