Even though the Trump administration's travel ban is
currently stayed, a Virtuoso member survey found advisers around the world have
seen its impact on their clients' travel plans.
According to the survey, 10% of U.S. respondents have
clients who are changing travel plans "due to a concern over anti-American
sentiment."
A total of 40% said their clients are avoiding some
destinations because of terrorism concerns. Those destinations are in the
Middle East, Europe and Africa, Virtuoso said, with Turkey and Egypt at the top
of the list.
"Instead, Americans are choosing to travel within their
own country, as well as visit those perceived as safer, including Japan, Canada
and New Zealand," Virtuoso said.
Among Virtuoso advisers outside the United States, 42% of
respondents said clients are avoiding travel to the U.S. "due to factors
including opposition to the country's foreign policy and concerns over
obtaining visas," opting instead for destinations like Italy, Australia
and the United Kingdom. According to Virtuoso, the majority of its advisers
said the dimming of travel to the U.S. will continue for three to six months.
"Travel is the best way to bring people together when
isolation begins," Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch said. "At Virtuoso,
we say borders divide, but travel unites. Never has it been more important to
keep the ability to travel as a fundamental right."