GBTA: New Trump travel restrictions better but ‘damage has already been done’
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) says the latest restrictions on inbound travel are at least more transparent but the ‘damage has already been done’ for the US business travel industry.
GBTA president Michael McCormick says the Trump Administration needs to do more to change the perception that the US is no longer business friendly.
The new and now indefinite travel restrictions cover five existing countries – Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen and Somalia, along with the addition of Chad, North Korea and Venezuala.
The three new countries have different criteria imposed.
"The White House has now established clearer criteria and a process for evaluating the admission of foreign visitors into the United States as well as a willingness to engage with other countries to assist them in meeting the mutual beneficial goal of safe travel," said GBTA president Michael McCormick.
"However, the damage from the previous executive orders has been done. The initial comprehensive January and March travel bans have created the perception that the United States is closed for business. While security is paramount, the White House should now work to counter that perception."
The resulting losses in business travel and trade have left a lasting negative impact on our economy."
Trump travel ban 3.0 will kick in on October 18 and the addition of Chad was met with bewilderment.
The Chad government voiced ‘incomprehension in the face of the official reasons for this decision, which contrasts with Chad’s constant efforts and commitments in the fight against terrorism.’
Former State Department Central Africa regional expert Matthew Page called it ‘knee-jerk move, rather than a carefully considered decision.’
"There is no incentive to labeling Chadians soft on terrorism, which they definitely are not," he told the New York Times.
"This makes no sense at all, even from a Trumpian standpoint," said Reed Brody, a lawyer for Human Rights Watch.
Jewish groups also joined in the chorus of opposition.
"These immoral restrictions, which make no actual contribution to protecting our country, send an unmistakable message to Muslims and immigrants in the United States and around the world: ‘You are not welcome here," said Stosh Cotler, the chief executive of Bend the Arc Jewish Action said in a statement.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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