Jan. 12 (UPI) — The U. S. is wasting tourists to other countries because of excessive wait times for visas and security checks, according to a new study commissioned through the U. S. Travel Association.
The U. S. Travel Association The U. S. commissioned Euromonitor International to examine the reasons for the declining share of the global U. S. market. U. S. The study shows that the percentage of the global U. S. market is the largest share of the global market. The U. S. economy for long-haul travel increased from 5. 4% in 2019 to 5. 3% in 2023.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to the suspension of U. S. visas around the world, leading to a setback. As restrictions eased, most U. S. embassies and consulates slowly resumed some appointments for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.
The U. S. issued about 8 million visas for tourism and business in fiscal year 2023, more than in eight years, but demand has also increased in that period.
In 2023, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) implemented the Visa Processing Improvement Act to build consular capacity by expanding the availability and use of English-language interviews and hiring new consular fellows among visa applicants. Foreign service. swimming pools.
The U. S. lags behind in terms of leadership on travel-related issues and the strength of its national travel strategy. Other key findings are that wait times for visa interviews average around 400 days in primary source markets in the U. S. According to the U. S. , only 36% of U. S. foreign airports are operating in the U. S. Most U. S. countries use biometric access and exit systems.
The U. S. is likely to receive another 2. 4 million visitors in 2024 if the market is constrained by wait times for visas.
The study evaluated four categories: national leadership, logo and product, identity and security, and connectivity. The study also highlighted the fact that the position of undersecretary of commerce and tourism has not yet been fully filled or funded by Congress under Biden. administration.
Countries such as Spain, France, Turkey, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates have fully recovered to their pre-pandemic levels, while the United States is lagging behind.
By comparison, the study reveals that countries like Canada have invested in broad national strategies to increase travel spending, guest experience, and showcase lesser-known destinations through key partnerships.
Tourism spending in Canada grew steadily last year to $21.1 billion, driven by an increase in foreign tourism demand, according to Statistics Canada. The country’s revenue recovery was on track to reach 104% of 2019 levels by the end of 2023.
In reaction to the news, the U. S. Travel Association formed the Commission on Safe and Seamless Travel, chaired by former acting Secretary of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan.
Freeman said the commission, formed Wednesday, is tasked with creating a vision and making policy recommendations to modernize the experience, increase U. S. competitiveness and facilitate growth. The commission plans to release its policy recommendations in the fall.
“Travel and tourism have made a strong comeback in 2022 as we reopen our country to visitors from around the world,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said Thursday.
“From day one of the Biden administration, the Department of Commerce has taken decisive action for the recovery of this industry. The U. S. Travel & Tourism Advisory Councilplays a critical role in providing expert recommendations and industry insights to optimize the U. S. travel experience. U. S. with new and returning members.