The Trump administration's updated travel ban missed an
opportunity to welcome travelers to the United States, said the U.S. Travel
Association.
"[The administration] did a better job of being
thoughtful about underscoring their responsibilities and prerogative to keep
people safe, but what was missing of course was an overt welcome message that
probably would've gone a long way toward soothing travel markets," said
Jonathan Grella, executive vice president of public affairs for U.S. Travel. "Perceptions
matter, and reputational fallout can affect market share.
"It really was a bit of a missed opportunity there,"
he added. "And with all the other things they took great care to get right
this time, that was one T that was not crossed. And I guess that T stands for
travel."
Grella said the administration had ample warning and
information about the need to reassure travelers.
"So much of what ailed the first issuance was the
indirect ruffled feathers around the world -- not just the universe of
countries directly affected," he said. "This time it would have been
beneficial to speak to those people -- to folks in Canada or Europe that were
left with a bad taste in their mouths."
Grella said "a simple welcome" would've sufficed.
"That was not central to the message," he said. "Stating
not just who is no longer welcome, but who remains welcome."