Proposed Rule Change May Hinder US Tourism
As discussions arise around a proposed policy that would mandate social media account information from some foreign travelers to the United States, international travel specialists warn that this could discourage potential visitors. Such a decline in travel could result in significant revenue losses, estimated in billions for the US travel industry.
Industry Concerns Highlighted
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has raised alarms after surveying nearly 5,000 international citizens who frequently travel internationally. The findings revealed that about one-third of respondents would be significantly less inclined to visit the US if information about their social media accounts becomes a requirement for the Visa Waiver Program.
Economic Impact of Declining Travelers
According to the WTTC, the potential reduction in travelers might lead to a staggering $15.7 billion loss in visitor spending for the US. It is estimated that around 4.7 million international arrivals could be lost, translating to a 23% decrease from ESTA countries by 2026.
Job Loss and Competitive Disadvantage
Gloria Guevara, the WTTC president, stated that this proposed change could result in over 150,000 job losses, placing the US at a competitive disadvantage in the global tourism market.
Traveler Sentiments on Social Media Requirements
Guevara further emphasized that travelers affected by this change have other destinations to consider, finding the request for social media information intrusive. She noted the possibility of a decline in US tourism as travelers might opt for more welcoming countries.
Survey Insights on Visitor Perception
The WTTC survey indicated that two-thirds of respondents, predominantly from countries like Australia, France, and the UK, were aware of the proposed policy. Many believe that such requirements would render the US less inviting for both leisure and business travel.
Details of the Proposed Policy
The proposed regulation, posted by US Customs and Border Protection, would affect travelers utilizing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program. Currently, ESTA applicants provide minimal information, but the new rule would significantly expand data requirements, including social media history for the past five years.
