Dr Robyn Bushell is associate professor in the Institute for Culture & Society and School of Social Sciences & Psychology at Western Sydney University. Her research is in tourism, heritage, planning and community development.
Q
Is President Trump's new tough stance on immigration likely to have an impact on tourism in the US?
A
Among Trump's more disconcerting ultra-right attitudes, his racially biased opinion on how to achieve homeland security and safety for US citizens is certain to the upset the global tourism industry and travellers.
Add to the racism, anti-LGBT and misogynistic attitudes and antagonism toward China, Mexico, the EU and the retreat on globalisation will see tourism affected in many ways.
For example, in 2016 the Chinese outbound market grew a massive 18 per cent. America benefited significantly.
The Chinese are expected to continue to be the major growth market but the US may be the one destination where these very high spending visitors will be discouraged.
The reputational risks to "brand USA" are significant and far reaching according to the US Travel Association.
Within hours of the announced policy change, protests and petitions worldwide began in force, Emirates airline had to adjust employees rostered for US bound flights.
The UN World Travel & Tourism Organisation secretary general Taleb Rifai said "the image of a country which imposes travel bans in such a hostile way will surely affect visitors from all over the world".
