The travel industry has been hit hard by a significant decline in bookings to the United States, with travel agents reporting a substantial drop in demand. The decline is attributed to the political context and the Trump presidency, with many French tourists opting for alternative destinations such as Canada and Mexico.

Decline in Bookings

According to Jean-François Rial, a seasoned travel agent with 30 years of experience, bookings for US tours have dropped by 20% in recent months. Rial attributes this decline to the current political climate and the perceived hostility towards France under the Trump administration.

• The decline in bookings is not limited to California, Arizona, and Louisiana, but has also affected other popular destinations in the US.
• French tourists are choosing alternative destinations such as Canada and Mexico instead of the US.

The Political Context

The trend towards avoiding the US is also linked to the perceived negative impact of Trump’s policies on France and the European Union. Many French tourists have expressed frustration with Trump’s handling of international relations, particularly his stance on climate change and trade policies.

Examples of Negative Perceptions

• Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement has been widely criticized in France.
• His stance on trade policies has also been seen as hostile to European interests.

Alternative Destinations

French tourists are flocking to alternative destinations such as Canada and Mexico, which are perceived as more welcoming and friendly.

Canada: A Popular Alternative

Canada has become a popular alternative destination for French tourists, offering a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

1. Canada’s natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly people make it an attractive destination.
2. French tourists can enjoy a range of activities, from skiing to hiking and exploring historic cities.

The Impact on the US Economy

The decline in bookings has had a significant impact on the US economy, with predictions of a 9% decline in international travel to the US by 2025.

Economic Consequences

• The decline in bookings is expected to result in a loss of US$9 billion (€8.2 billion) in revenue for the US tourism industry.
• The decline in visitor numbers from Canada is expected to drop by 20%.

Other Factors Affecting US Tourism

Other factors such as the weakness of the euro against the US dollar and the prospect of more difficult border crossings have also contributed to the decline in US tourism.

Weakness of the Euro

The weakness of the euro against the US dollar has made travel to the US more expensive for French tourists.

1. The euro has lost 25-30% of its value against the US dollar in the past four years.
2. This has resulted in higher prices for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.

Difficult Border Crossings

The prospect of more difficult border crossings has also deterred French tourists from visiting the US.

1. Travellers may be denied entry to the US if they refuse to provide a password to their electronic devices.
2. Travellers can “wipe” their devices before travelling to ensure that no sensitive data remains on the device.

Conclusion

The decline in US tourism is a complex issue with multiple factors contributing to it. While the political context and Trump’s presidency are significant contributors, other factors such as the weakness of the euro and difficult border crossings have also played a role. As the US tourism industry continues to evolve, it is essential to address these challenges and work towards rebuilding trust with French tourists and other international visitors.