How Trump's new policies could change tourism

DAILY MAP How Trump's new policies could change tourism 3 hours • 2 minutes reading time US President Donald Trump has thrown the country into turmoil at the start of his second term with far-reaching reforms and drastic measures. His new political decisions - from massive immigration restrictions to trade tariffs and the dismissal of thousands of government employees - could not only have economic and social consequences, but also significantly affect the travel industry. "It's like putting up a giant 'Do Not Enter' sign," commented Kristin Winkaffe, founder of Winkaffe Global Travel, according to the BBC. The tightening of visa requirements in particular could lead to fewer people visiting the USA, which could have a negative impact on the tourism industry. Canadians in particular, who are affected by US customs measures, are already reacting with travel boycotts. According to the US Travel Association, a 10 percent drop in Canadian tourists could lead to a loss of over two billion dollars and the elimination of 14,000 jobs. Uncertainties in the hotel industry The US leisure and hotel industry, which employs around 10 percent of the workforce there, is suffering from political uncertainty. International business travelers are increasingly avoiding the USA, and major trade fairs such as the CES in Las Vegas have seen a significant decline in foreign participants. Experts also warn that stricter immigration laws, particularly for work visas, could put further pressure on the hotel and restaurant sector, which is already suffering from staff shortages. Aviation industry under pressure Aviation is facing major challenges following several fatal plane crashes and a declining public perception of safety. Despite existing staff shortages in air traffic, Trump has laid off hundreds of employees at the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and fired the heads of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Coast Guard. The abolition of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee also raises questions about future aviation security. LGBTQ+ travelers are also concerned: The US government has suspended the issuing of passports with the gender marker "X" for non-binary people, making international travel more difficult. In addition, some US states are considering enforcing laws that could force transgender people to use bathrooms according to their gender assigned at birth - a risk especially at airports. Impact on road and rail transport The punitive tariffs on Canadian oil threatened by Trump could increase gasoline prices by as much as 15 cents per gallon, making traveling by car more expensive. At the same time, he has stopped a billion-dollar subsidy program for charging stations for electric vehicles. Those who want to switch to rail could also run into problems: Cuts in funding for Amtrak and high-speed projects could limit train service and lead to higher ticket prices. Critics fear that greater privatization of rail infrastructure could worsen accessibility for travelers.