Saturday, June 21, 2025

In a move that could shake up the global tourism industry, President Donald Trump has expanded the U.S. travel ban to include up to 36 countries, with an alarming focus on Africa and the Caribbean. The travel ban, originally targeting a select list of nations, could now disrupt travel and commerce by straining international relationships and deterring visitors. As industry leaders raise their voices, the question remains: will these sweeping policies harm the very tourism sector that drives billions in U.S. revenue?

In a controversial decision, President Donald Trump has expanded the travel ban, casting a long shadow over tourism. This time, the focus is on 36 countries, with many located in Africa. Travel giants like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) are speaking out, highlighting how these moves could cripple international tourism and the U.S. travel economy.

The new directive warns nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Bhutan, Cape Verde, Dominica, Egypt, and others, that they must tighten their travel documentation policies within 60 days or face a ban on U.S. travel for their citizens. Industry insiders are concerned that the consequences could go far beyond diplomatic tensions—they fear that this will create widespread uncertainty in the travel industry, leading to losses for both U.S. and international businesses alike.

Tourism, an essential part of the U.S. economy, could suffer as American travelers become hesitant about visiting countries under the ban. As ASTA CEO Zane Kerby points out, these sweeping restrictions cause uncertainty that ripples through the travel industry. With 98% of travel advisors operating as small businesses, the consequences could be devastating for those at the heart of U.S. tourism.

Kerby emphasizes that while national security must always be a priority, blanket travel bans are too broad a tool. Instead, he advocates for more collaborative solutions that protect both U.S. security and the global travel ecosystem. The impact on travel advisors, Kerby argues, is more than just theoretical—it’s an urgent concern for the small business community that supports the tourism economy.

Industry figures, including Terry Dale, president of USTOA, are keeping a watchful eye on how the proposed travel bans will affect future business, particularly in light of their upcoming conference in December. The USTOA event attracts international stakeholders, many of whom represent countries potentially affected by the ban.

Although these bans might not directly target the largest inbound markets, Dale stresses that the perception they create is damaging. When travelers are unsure about their safety or how they’ll be treated upon arrival, they are more likely to look for alternatives. For a sector that relies on global participation and cross-border engagement, this uncertainty could have lasting repercussions.

For many in the tourism industry, the focus is on finding a middle ground. The solution, they argue, lies in better international collaboration on security and documentation policies, rather than imposing sweeping travel restrictions that could hurt legitimate businesses.

As Zane Kerby noted in a letter to the White House in January 2024, ASTA has been vocal in its opposition to travel bans since Trump’s first term. Kerby’s plea was clear: “We urge you to ensure that the freedom to travel across the globe continues to be allowed.” For the travel industry, this is not just a matter of convenience—it’s about maintaining the U.S.’s standing as a leader in global tourism.

With the proposed bans threatening to affect countries across Africa and the Caribbean, the next steps will be crucial. Industry leaders are calling for more nuanced policies that can strike a balance between security concerns and the needs of the global tourism sector. It’s a delicate dance—too many restrictions could create a ripple effect, hurting U.S. businesses while damaging international relationships.

As the U.S. administration moves forward, one thing is certain: the tourism industry’s future will depend on finding common ground. Only time will tell whether the Trump administration’s latest moves will mark a turning point for travel or a major setback.

While the U.S. has the right to protect its borders, the tourism industry, a vital part of the nation’s economy, is pleading for policies that protect both national security and business interests. The expanded travel ban could have far-reaching effects, potentially crippling U.S. tourism and international travel. What’s clear is that the travel sector needs clarity, certainty, and collaborative solutions that keep the doors of global commerce open, even as the need for security remains paramount.