Representative Image: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA city skyline at duskProposed changes to the US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) programme, requiring broader social media disclosures, could significantly impact the US Travel & Tourism sector, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The changes could result in a $15.7 billion reduction in visitor spending and the loss of 157,000 jobs.
The WTTC's research, conducted with GSIQ and Oxford Economics, highlights that awareness of the proposed policy is already high, with 66% of surveyed travellers familiar with it. This awareness could quickly affect travel sentiment, with 34% of respondents stating they would be less likely to visit the US if the changes are implemented.
Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC, emphasised the potential economic consequences, stating, “Security at the US border is vital but the planned policy changes will damage job creation, which the US Administration values so much. Our research finds that over 150,000 jobs could be lost if this policy goes ahead.”
The policy is perceived as more intrusive than those of other major destinations like the UK, Japan, and Canada, potentially placing the US at a competitive disadvantage. Under a high-impact scenario, the US could see 4.7 million fewer international arrivals in 2026, a 23.7% reduction from ESTA countries compared to a business-as-usual forecast.
The WTTC urges US policymakers to reconsider the policy, highlighting Travel & Tourism as a critical economic driver. The sector's importance is underscored by its role in job creation and international connectivity, with one in three jobs globally linked to it.
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