An overwhelming majority of Americans say highly publicized airline incidents, travel bans and tightened restrictions for carry-on items have not dampened their zeal for traveling out of the country.
American travelers express concern about feeling welcome abroad, however, and many millennials are not willing to travel if they oppose certain policies, regardless of whether or not it affects them personally. So, while American travelers have a healthy interest in international travel right now, this could very well change if new policies and bans emerge or tighten—an important fact for the government to consider.
These are among findings of a new study undertaken by American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
“Americans are an intrepid group, and are always looking for new ways to discover the world, and spend quality time with their families and friends.” said Zane Kerby, president and CEO of ASTA.
“Our research shows Americans’ passion to travel is stronger than ever and we believe travelers deserve complete transparency from all vendors involved in the booking process, including from the government itself,” he added.
Key findings:
- Americans are evenly split—along party lines—on their overall opinion of the Trump administration’s travel ban.
- Most Americans (55 percent) believe a travel ban will make U.S. tourists feel less welcome abroad.
- More than one in six millennials have cancelled or called off a foreign trip due to the travel ban.
- Most Americans (54 percent) support travel to Cuba without U.S. government restriction.
- Americans are seven times more likely to believe the government favors airlines over passengers.
- Eight in 10 Americans support requiring airlines to disclose all fees upfront.
- Most Americans (55 percent) say a wall on the Mexican border will make U.S. tourists feel less welcome in Mexico.
More than 1,500 American travelers ranging in age from 20 to 70 were surveyed or participated in focus groups for the study.
