157,000 workers forced to find new jobs!

The tourism sector is facing a major transformation. Following the new requirement for sharing social media information introduced by the United States under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for international travel, industry representatives and expert organizations have evaluated the potential economic consequences of the policy.

According to various organizations known for international tourism data and industry analysis, a significant decrease in the number of tourists visiting the U.S. is expected following the proposed change. According to the research, the social media information requirement, which is on the agenda to come into effect in the coming period, could lead to international tourists abandoning over 15.7 billion dollars in spending and approximately 157,000 Americans losing their jobs.

In surveys regarding the issue, 66% of those coming from countries subject to the ESTA application state that they are aware of the new rules. Meanwhile, 34% of participants express that they would be hesitant to travel to the U.S. within the next two to three years if the rule is implemented. In contrast, only 12% believe that the measures taken will increase travel motivation.

According to industry representatives, the U.S. may lose its appeal, especially for those traveling for business and leisure. Furthermore, most tourists do not believe that the new requirements will increase the level of personal security. Economic models predict a decrease of approximately 4.7 million visitors from ESTA countries in high-impact scenarios; this represents a 23.7% drop compared to normal growth expectations. Additionally, the projected job loss figure would be well above the U.S. monthly employment growth.

Looking at data from past years, it is determined that the U.S. lost 11 million international visitors in the 2019-2025 period. With the implementation of the new policy, it is thought that the country's position in the global tourism market could weaken. The perception that U.S. visa and entry policies are more restrictive compared to competing destinations could increase competitive disadvantages in the market.

News Source: 12punto