ALEXANDRIA, VA — The American Society of Travel Advisors says travel bans create uncertainty that ripples throughout the travel industry and harms small businesses.

ASTA’s statement comes in the wake of news that the U.S. administration is considering an expansion of the travel ban list.

On June 17 the Administration demanded action from 36 additional countries within 60 days to avoid a potential “travel ban” enacted by the U.S. government.

This follows a full ban on 12 countries and restrictions on seven others, effective June 9.

The full list contains numerous destinations important both for leisure and business travel, said ASTA.

“Travel bans are intended to impact those coming in – but can trigger reciprocal restrictions, meaning U.S. citizens may find themselves unwelcome abroad,” ASTA noted.

“Even without formal retaliation, these actions can make Americans hesitant to travel to targeted countries, chilling outbound demand and complicating global travel planning.”

ASTA “fundamentally believes that the U.S. government has both a right and obligation to keep our country safe, but also that safe and secure travel are foundational to the world and the U.S. travel industry.

“ASTA strongly restates this position and encourages policymakers to seek solutions that balance security with the fundamental rewards of travel—understanding, cultural exchange and economic growth.”

ASTA President & CEO Zane Kerby had this to say: “Every administration has the responsibility to protect national security, and that duty should never be taken lightly.

“But sweeping, country-wide travel bans are a blunt instrument accompanied by sweeping, unintended consequences – hindering legitimate business, discouraging visitors who strengthen our economy while simultaneously discouraging Americans from traveling abroad.

“Travel bans, and simply the threat of such bans, don’t just disrupt inbound travel, they risk diplomatic strain and create uncertainty that ripples throughout the travel industry. That uncertainty harms the businesses of our travel advisor members, 98% of which are small businesses comprising an essential piece of the U.S. economy.

“ASTA acknowledges the real need for effective visa compliance and traveler vetting, and we hope our leaders will work collaboratively with the nations involved to resolve those issues without cutting off entire populations.

“We urge U.S. policymakers to pursue balanced, thoughtful solutions that uphold both our safety and our ideals while allowing the travel industry to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.

“Safe and secure travel is not just good policy. It is the foundation of international cooperation, economic growth and mutual understanding.”

Following the U.S. administration’s June 5 travel ban update, on June 6 ACTA shared important information for Canadian travel advisors. Click here for the ACTA site and more details.