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tourists—it’s handing them to its rivals. reliant on tourism—Florida, California, New
This isn’t merely a marketing issue. Amer- York, Nevada, and Texas—face serious eco-
ica’s political actions are actively driving trav- nomic risks. A decline in foreign visitors
elers away. Threats of land grabs in places like means fewer tax dollars, struggling busi-
Greenland and Panama reinforce an image of nesses, and lost opportunities.
unpredictability and aggression, deterring vis- Even more damaging is the long-term hit
itors, investors, and businesses alike. to America’s reputation. Travelers are slow to
America’s diplomatic stance matters, too. return to destinations they perceive as unwel-
While alienating NATO allies, the U.S. aligns coming or politically unstable.
itself with strongmen like Vladimir Putin and While U.S. tourism businesses scramble to
Kim Jong-un. These optics don’t just weaken counteract negative perceptions, branding
ties; they deter democratic travelers. Just as won’t fix bad policy. The country must decide
Russia was shunned after invading Ukraine, whether it will be an open and welcoming des-
the U.S. risks similar treatment if it continues tination or one travelers avoid. At the mo-
to disregard democratic norms. ment, the world is already making its choice.
The consequences are enormous. The
travel industry supports millions of American Ron & Mary James
jobs, from hotel workers to retailers. States
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
WINEDINEANDTRAVEL.COM 7
