Frommers: "Foreign travel slump"

[Generic]

The slump has mainly hurt our visitors from Canada. We got hit 8 years ago when the US suddenly required passports to enter. Then the drop in the Canadian dollar two years hurt again.
But we've had a severe drop-off this year equal to the hit of both of those events, despite having great snow this season. What Canadian guests have come have been quite blunt with us: They feel that they are suddenly less welcome in the U.S. than they were previously, and there's a slight sense of fear about how they'll be treated at the border crossings.
It's real. And it's dangerous. And it's going to start costing jobs real soon..

I'll be 100% honest... our news reports are full of articles about smartphone searches, people being interogated at the border about their beliefs and opinions, etc. CBP just isn't making it look friendly. And now you see the consequence.
Personally, I'm leaving on vacation at the end of the month, been planned for a long long time. I'll be in the USA for 4 hours (change of planes) on my way and I'm still uneasy, even though I have a clean record and I've been vetted by the FBI.
Articles like http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/immigration-rules-us-donald-trump-smartphone-is-your-passport-a7592741.html and please, do they really think that someone who wanted to do something nepharious is going to keep it on their phone, rather than simply relogin to a new phone and retrieve everything from the cloud?

 

[happykeeper]

As mentioned previously, we are seeing good overalls as a destination but we are getting hammered for the upcoming summer. Some of the resorts are slashing prices by 30-50% over last year. Anytime the Fairmont dips 30% below our nightly, we know its serious. I have to assume this has a lot to do with a change in foreign travel.

 

[Tom]

The slump has mainly hurt our visitors from Canada. We got hit 8 years ago when the US suddenly required passports to enter. Then the drop in the Canadian dollar two years hurt again.
But we've had a severe drop-off this year equal to the hit of both of those events, despite having great snow this season. What Canadian guests have come have been quite blunt with us: They feel that they are suddenly less welcome in the U.S. than they were previously, and there's a slight sense of fear about how they'll be treated at the border crossings.
It's real. And it's dangerous. And it's going to start costing jobs real soon..

I'll be 100% honest... our news reports are full of articles about smartphone searches, people being interogated at the border about their beliefs and opinions, etc. CBP just isn't making it look friendly. And now you see the consequence.
Personally, I'm leaving on vacation at the end of the month, been planned for a long long time. I'll be in the USA for 4 hours (change of planes) on my way and I'm still uneasy, even though I have a clean record and I've been vetted by the FBI.
Articles like http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/immigration-rules-us-donald-trump-smartphone-is-your-passport-a7592741.html and please, do they really think that someone who wanted to do something nepharious is going to keep it on their phone, rather than simply relogin to a new phone and retrieve everything from the cloud?
.

I was missing your perspective. Glad you're back. Where is your ultimate destination?

 

[Tom]

And always, in international relations: what goes around, comes around. Never good for business or the traveler. (I'm going to EU and UK this May, so it affects me.)
Last Thursday, the EU voted to consider suspending the visa waiver for US citizens.
"Americans travelling to Europe this summer face much tougher controls as a result of a vote in the European Parliament."
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/passports-eu-us-visas-esta-etias-ees-fingerprints-passports-european-parliament-a7614881.html
Although the issue has been around for a long time, the the current US administration's aggressive stance on all foreign travel has put pressure on the EU to act. Brexit didn't help; very likely the EU will require visas for UK citizens -- payback time for everyone.
See: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-16-4484_en.htm

 

[JBloggs]

And always, in international relations: what goes around, comes around. Never good for business or the traveler. (I'm going to EU and UK this May, so it affects me.)
Last Thursday, the EU voted to consider suspending the visa waiver for US citizens.
"Americans travelling to Europe this summer face much tougher controls as a result of a vote in the European Parliament."
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/passports-eu-us-visas-esta-etias-ees-fingerprints-passports-european-parliament-a7614881.html
Although the issue has been around for a long time, the the current US administration's aggressive stance on all foreign travel has put pressure on the EU to act. Brexit didn't help; very likely the EU will require visas for UK citizens -- payback time for everyone.
See: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-16-4484_en.htm.

Blame the bloody Russians, no wait, blame the Brexit. No wait, blame the terrorists. Yeah how about that one.
Payback time my butt.
GO TRUMP!
Ban me...go ahead.

 

[Generic]

Just to give you an idea of some of the articles we see in the news. This is from today... http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canadian-denied-entry-us-immigrant-visa-1.4011202

 

[Generic]

The slump has mainly hurt our visitors from Canada. We got hit 8 years ago when the US suddenly required passports to enter. Then the drop in the Canadian dollar two years hurt again.
But we've had a severe drop-off this year equal to the hit of both of those events, despite having great snow this season. What Canadian guests have come have been quite blunt with us: They feel that they are suddenly less welcome in the U.S. than they were previously, and there's a slight sense of fear about how they'll be treated at the border crossings.
It's real. And it's dangerous. And it's going to start costing jobs real soon..

I'll be 100% honest... our news reports are full of articles about smartphone searches, people being interogated at the border about their beliefs and opinions, etc. CBP just isn't making it look friendly. And now you see the consequence.
Personally, I'm leaving on vacation at the end of the month, been planned for a long long time. I'll be in the USA for 4 hours (change of planes) on my way and I'm still uneasy, even though I have a clean record and I've been vetted by the FBI.
Articles like http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/immigration-rules-us-donald-trump-smartphone-is-your-passport-a7592741.html and please, do they really think that someone who wanted to do something nepharious is going to keep it on their phone, rather than simply relogin to a new phone and retrieve everything from the cloud?
.

I was missing your perspective. Glad you're back. Where is your ultimate destination?
.

We are flying through on our way to Singapore. We are doing a quarter of the world tour... we end in Europe.

 

[GoodScout]

Just to give you an idea of some of the articles we see in the news. This is from today... http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canadian-denied-entry-us-immigrant-visa-1.4011202.

Just to give you an idea of some of the articles we see in the news. This is from today... http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canadian-denied-entry-us-immigrant-visa-1.4011202

I don't care if it's perceived as political. You have to call it as you see it. My Canadian business is down tremendously this winter, and it's because of the "Trump Slump." Grrrrrrr.

 

[Generic]

Just to give you an idea of some of the articles we see in the news. This is from today... http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canadian-denied-entry-us-immigrant-visa-1.4011202.

Just to give you an idea of some of the articles we see in the news. This is from today... http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canadian-denied-entry-us-immigrant-visa-1.4011202

I don't care if it's perceived as political. You have to call it as you see it. My Canadian business is down tremendously this winter, and it's because of the "Trump Slump." Grrrrrrr.
.

Honestly, it's not important if it is or isn't political. CBP really shouldn't be political. But these news items scare people away from booking.

 

[Jcam]

Just to give you an idea of some of the articles we see in the news. This is from today... http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canadian-denied-entry-us-immigrant-visa-1.4011202.

Just to give you an idea of some of the articles we see in the news. This is from today... http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canadian-denied-entry-us-immigrant-visa-1.4011202

I don't care if it's perceived as political. You have to call it as you see it. My Canadian business is down tremendously this winter, and it's because of the "Trump Slump." Grrrrrrr.
.

Honestly, it's not important if it is or isn't political. CBP really shouldn't be political. But these news items scare people away from booking.
.

we had on the news today welsh teacher with a school trip was turned back - born here never been to any of the banned countries but was clearly of some middle eastern origin (maybe 3 generations back) and has a strong welsh accent! left them in a really difficult position as have to have so many teachers per child and so on - no proper explanation as to why

 

[Generic]

Just to give you an idea of some of the articles we see in the news. This is from today... http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canadian-denied-entry-us-immigrant-visa-1.4011202.

Just to give you an idea of some of the articles we see in the news. This is from today... http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canadian-denied-entry-us-immigrant-visa-1.4011202

I don't care if it's perceived as political. You have to call it as you see it. My Canadian business is down tremendously this winter, and it's because of the "Trump Slump." Grrrrrrr.
.

Honestly, it's not important if it is or isn't political. CBP really shouldn't be political. But these news items scare people away from booking.
.

we had on the news today welsh teacher with a school trip was turned back - born here never been to any of the banned countries but was clearly of some middle eastern origin (maybe 3 generations back) and has a strong welsh accent! left them in a really difficult position as have to have so many teachers per child and so on - no proper explanation as to why
.

Wow... strong accent... https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/feb/23/juhel-miah-barred-entry-us-trump-travel-ban
I think people need to be assured that their vacation won't be ruined by this.
To be honest, who is in government in the US is really none of my business. I'm a foreigner. I don't get to vote in the US. I need to worry about my country. I'm going to visit, I'm going to spend money and then I'm going to leave. 99.99% of visitors are going to be in this situation. I'm not hiding anything nefarious on my phone.... but I'm just not comfortable with giving anyone access to my emails, facebook, etc. It's part of my privacy, it's personal, it's really like a mental rape of a sort.

 

[Momma Smurf]

And another updated thread:
http://www.rawstory.com/2017/04/people-dont-want-to-come-to-trumps-america-the-trump-slump-in-travel-is-costing-america-billions/#.WN_TV02RoBc.facebook
Personally, this year's reservations are the worst in 12 years, I literally cannot sleep at night.

 

[Jcam]

And another updated thread:
http://www.rawstory.com/2017/04/people-dont-want-to-come-to-trumps-america-the-trump-slump-in-travel-is-costing-america-billions/#.WN_TV02RoBc.facebook
Personally, this year's reservations are the worst in 12 years, I literally cannot sleep at night..

Ill be honest with you people I know are worried about being stopped at customs for any and all reasons - therefore are not going because they don't need the hassle - can go anywhere else and not worry about it.
Perfect example is a school teacher on an organised trip with 3 other teachers and about 40 kids was sent back with no explanation - left whole trip in jeopardy as need so many adults per so many kids - would you risk it?

 

[Silverspoon]

And another updated thread:
http://www.rawstory.com/2017/04/people-dont-want-to-come-to-trumps-america-the-trump-slump-in-travel-is-costing-america-billions/#.WN_TV02RoBc.facebook
Personally, this year's reservations are the worst in 12 years, I literally cannot sleep at night..

Yes, us too. It is not a figment of your imagination. Probably a result of several factors...but this one is VERY frustrating since it was created by the current government.
Our local seasonal business are having a really hard time staffing for the summer as well. Visa limits were closed in March, before local help could secure entrance. This is not new but there is little hope that the number of visas granted will be increased under this administration.

 

[Momma Smurf]

And another updated thread:
http://www.rawstory.com/2017/04/people-dont-want-to-come-to-trumps-america-the-trump-slump-in-travel-is-costing-america-billions/#.WN_TV02RoBc.facebook
Personally, this year's reservations are the worst in 12 years, I literally cannot sleep at night..

Yes, us too. It is not a figment of your imagination. Probably a result of several factors...but this one is VERY frustrating since it was created by the current government.
Our local seasonal business are having a really hard time staffing for the summer as well. Visa limits were closed in March, before local help could secure entrance. This is not new but there is little hope that the number of visas granted will be increased under this administration.
.

Yes, I am seeing articles about a well known tourist town nearby having to close down a whole wing of 20 rooms (larger property) because they will not have the staff due to the visa crisis. What?

 

[Hillbilly]

It's amazing how some businesses this affects and how others it doesn't. If you are dependent on foreign travel I can see how this might affect things. On the other hand we are lucky enough to be in an area that does not depend on guests from other countries. We actually have had a record March this year. It could also be that we are getting more business because people don't want to travel out of the country. So if you look at it that way maybe you could advertise staying local so to speak. Might also be a good chance to look at how you advertise and where your customer base is. Might want to start looking at advertising more on the state side. Just a thought. Hope things turn around for those that are hurting for business!

 

[Momma Smurf]

It's amazing how some businesses this affects and how others it doesn't. If you are dependent on foreign travel I can see how this might affect things. On the other hand we are lucky enough to be in an area that does not depend on guests from other countries. We actually have had a record March this year. It could also be that we are getting more business because people don't want to travel out of the country. So if you look at it that way maybe you could advertise staying local so to speak. Might also be a good chance to look at how you advertise and where your customer base is. Might want to start looking at advertising more on the state side. Just a thought. Hope things turn around for those that are hurting for business!.

Actually, we don't depend upon foreign travel that much, has dwindled off over the years as the dollar has strengthened. 'Tis something more elusive going on. Last year was our best year ever by far. Twice as many bookings for the warmer months than this year. Definitely multiple levels of travel "climate" change going on. Uncertainty in the air in the Northeast...
BTW, this isn't just us, our closest BB competitor in town is experiencing the exact same thing. We are virtually even in seasonal reservations.

 

[Hillbilly]

And another updated thread:
http://www.rawstory.com/2017/04/people-dont-want-to-come-to-trumps-america-the-trump-slump-in-travel-is-costing-america-billions/#.WN_TV02RoBc.facebook
Personally, this year's reservations are the worst in 12 years, I literally cannot sleep at night..

Yes, us too. It is not a figment of your imagination. Probably a result of several factors...but this one is VERY frustrating since it was created by the current government.
Our local seasonal business are having a really hard time staffing for the summer as well. Visa limits were closed in March, before local help could secure entrance. This is not new but there is little hope that the number of visas granted will be increased under this administration.
.

Our town is having the same issue. Many of the larger resorts are having a hard time getting there normal labor from across the pond so to speak. But considering we have almost 900 homeless in our city we hope many will be able to get a job now. We are actually already finding this to be helpful for those people. I'm not saying its not a good thing they can't get their normal workers but sometimes things work out. One door closes and another one opens.

 

[Hillbilly]

As a foreigner - yes I would defer my plans to go to the usa for a year or so and see what unfolds. No problem, there are many countries to avoid and plenty left.
The last thing you want as a tourist is to find that the visa permit you acquired months before is suddenly withdrawn at the border, leaving you stranded at the airport and losing your vacation time, tickets and B&B cancellation fees. Also, nobody looks forward to an immigration officer going through their social media and emails especially with the family waiting alongside after a long flight.
But it will pass, a temporary slump at most, unless tourist are truly not welcome anymore in the USA. Hopefully many americans will support you by taking their vacations in the USA instead of spending their dollars in asia and europe.
Trust this is not seen as political or raising social media flags when I want to visit your country again..........

And there is currently enough unrest in the rest of the world right now to make people think twice about travelling anywhere. Many countries are having problems with terror activities, riots, and protests that are not very peaceful - from the videos I have seen. It is not just a USA problem and not any particular political problem.
.

You are so correct. This very conversation come up at breakfast a few days ago. We actually had a guest staying that cancelled there plans to Europe and stayed in the US. Not many people are wanting to travel outside. Our Church even cancelled the mission trip that was planned. Due to the fact its so bad.

 

[Lee2014]

We had two emails from young ladies from out of the country looking for jobs here. We also have had lots of guests as compared to other winters.