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“In our last issue, we warned that Trump-era policies,
including erratic tariffs and tightening visa rules, were
pushing international visitors away. What an under-
statement that turned out to be.”
visitors away. What an understatement that crackdowns, America turned away from the
turned out to be. values that once drew the world in. And to
Today, it’s clear: few modern leaders have many watching from afar, America has become
done more to disrupt global travel and tarnish erratic and dangerous.
America’s tourism image than President Don- This matters. Travel fuels economies, fos-
ald Trump. ters global understanding, and builds bridges
We spent time with two Canadian cou- between cultures. When the U.S. closes itself
ples—friendly, smart, well-traveled—who were off and lashes out, it doesn’t just offend for-
livid. The Trump administration’s tariffs had eign travelers—it wounds its own workers,
already affected their industries back home. small businesses, and international reputa-
But what truly incensed them was his call for tion. This damage—especially to how the
Canada to be America’s “next state.” It wasn’t world sees our nation—won’t be undone by a
a joke to them. They planned to stay home or few ad campaigns and discounted fares.
travel elsewhere, rather than spend time and What We Still Believe
Canadian dollars in the U.S. This issue of Wine Dine & Travel cele-
They weren’t alone. International arrivals brates what endures: the curiosity to explore,
to the U.S. plummeted since President Trump the joy of discovery, and the belief that travel
took office. Conferences have been relocated. can be a force for good. But it also reminds us:
Airlines are cutting routes. Hospitality jobs leadership matters. Elections have conse-
are dwindling. Visa backlogs stretch into quences. And the next time a politician prom-
years. The resulting economic pain is being ises to “put America first” by shutting the
felt across the nation. world out, we should all remember the real
Let’s not forget that under Trump’s leader- price we are all paying—at home and abroad.
ship, the U.S. has become a less desirable
travel destination. What once was seen as a
cultural mecca has become a political mine- Ron & Mary James
field. From the “Muslim ban” to cruel border
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
WINEDINEANDTRAVEL.COM 7
