The travel and hospitality industries were knocked for a loop last week in the wake of the executive order from U.S. president Donald Trump restricting travel into the U.S. for people, including green card and visa holders, from seven countries. Billed as a way to prevent terrorists from entering the U.S., the measure has led to an uproar, with protestors jamming airports and advocacy groups promising lawsuits. The aftermath for the event and meetings industry is unclear; will planners bypass the U.S. as a destination? Our sister publications group MeetingsNet takes a look at the issue:
Meeting and hospitality consultant Joan Eisenstodt points out demonstrations at airports are already making travel chaotic. The ban has also put airlines in the position of policing this new policy and increased pressure on immigration officials carrying it out, which could slow down passport control for other travelers entering the country. Some planners worry that Americans traveling abroad may be affected by retaliatory bans from the targeted nations.
The American Society for Association Executives President and CEO John Graham, FASAE, CAE, gave MeetingsNet this statement concerning the executive order: “While ASAE supports strong screening of travelers entering the U.S., it’s clear that this order was too hastily enacted … MeetingsNet
