Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, stated: “Let’s say the quiet part out loud: the campaign by civil society organizations to discourage World Cup travel isn’t about protecting visitors. It’s about using the livelihoods of American workers and businesses as leverage to influence policies they oppose.
That’s not advocacy. That’s sabotage.”
He acknowledged concerns related to U.S. entry policies, noting that the association has publicly addressed these issues. “Are there legitimate concerns about U.S. entry policies right now? Yes — and we’ve said so publicly. Has the Trump administration made progress in numerous areas? Unequivocally. Let’s deal in fact, not fiction. For example, the number of travelers detained at Customs to have their devices searched is a difference of less than 0.01% between the Biden and Trump administrations according to official Customs and Border Protection data.”
The association reiterated its opposition to potential visa fees, social media screening, and other measures that may affect the competitiveness of the United States as a travel destination.
“We continue to oppose potential visa fees, social media screening, and policies that make the U.S. less competitive as a destination. We say that directly, including to the Administration itself. But discouraging travel by calling the U.S. unsafe for visitors is a different thing entirely. 67 million international travelers came to the United States last year. The notion that visiting America poses a meaningful safety risk is not a good-faith warning, it’s a political tactic designed to cause economic harm.”
Freeman concluded by emphasising the economic implications for the travel sector and the importance of constructive engagement. “There are legitimate ways to challenge policies you oppose. Harming the livelihoods of American workers and businesses by frightening away visitors isn’t one of them. We’ll keep doing it differently: making the honest case, staying in the room, and fighting for an America that’s open, competitive, and worth the trip.”
