46.9 F
New York
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Trump’s Travel Ban May Cause NY to Lose $120M in Foreign Tourism 

Related Articles

-Advertisement-

Must read

New York City and the state are expected to lose $120 million in tax money from the predicted decrease in foreign tourism that is expected to result from President Trump restrictions on travel.

On Thursday, April 20, officials announced that New York City and the state are expected to lose $120 million in tax money from the predicted decrease in foreign tourism that is expected to result from President Trump restrictions on travel. 

Earlier this year, it was predicted by the city’s tourism agency that in 2017 the number of international visitors would decline by 300,000. This would be the first down turn in seven years, and a complete reversal of previous projections that the number would increase by 3%. 

The Daily News reports, “That will mean $120 million less in tax revenue for the city and state, NYC & Company vice president Donna Keren said at a City Council hearing probing the economic impact of Trump policies like the attempted travel ban on seven mostly-Muslim nations and a ban on laptops on flights from certain locations. The dip will translate into $600 million less spending in the city — and since the agency had previously projected an increase of 400,000 foreign travelers, spending could be $1.4 billion less than once expected.”

Kerensaid, “New travel restrictions — including bans, limited or reduced access to visas, and ‘extreme vetting’ — will limit the number of people who are permitted to enter our country. If the United States is perceived as hostile, or if visitors lose confidence with our entry process or are unfairly denied entry, they will choose to spend their money visiting and exploring destinations in other countries that are easier to enter, welcoming, and inclusive. Important travel destinations like NYC would suffer disproportionately.”

Although only 20% of the Big Apple’s visitors are from other countries, the international visitors account for more than half the money spent by outsiders in the city. Foreigners spend an average of $2,000 each during their stay, as well as visit more areas throughout the five boroughs, and stay for longer durations. Lower-spending domestic tourist are expected to however increase this year in the city.

The courts have blocked an executive order issued by Trump to ban travel from seven countries in the Middle East and Africa.

Councilman Dan Garodnick (D-Manhattan), chair of the economic development committee, said, “But the damage was done. We will see less economic activity. And we will suffer the losses in taxes and jobs.”

The idea that Trump is causing a decrease in tourism has been disputed by Staten Island Republican Councilman Joe Borelli, who noted that for the first quarter this year hotel occupancy rates have increased nationwide. He said, “It’s unclear what empirical data they’re resting on, other than rhetoric on both sides and feelings. If the U.S. dollar rises with respect to the Euro or the pound, you’ll see less tourists. If that doesn’t happen, you won’t see a drop in tourists.”

By Rachel Shapiro

balance of natureDonate

Latest article

- Advertisement -