CEO DATELINE - Travel group changes ‘tone' on Trump
CEO DATELINE - Travel group changes ‘tone' on Trump
- March 29, 2017 |
- WILLIAM EHART
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The U.S. Travel Association initially welcomed the election of Donald Trump, but issues such as his immigration bans and alienation of key allies and travel partners have caused the group to worry.
USTravel CEO Roger Dow confirmed to Bloomberg News that his organization's "tone" has changed from its November statement of congratulations to a more recent release: "Mr. President, please tell the world that while we're closed for terror, we're open for business."
"Yes, you are correct that you have detected a change in the tone," Dow said in a Bloomberg interview. "Travel is a very fragile thing, and perception is a factor.
"The administration is trying to move very quickly on an agenda they put together," Dow said. "They're just coming in, and I think there may be people who don't understand our industry."
That's a big change from November, when Dow said Trump's commitment to improved infrastructure and his hospitality background—he is known for his branded hotels and golf courses—would be good for the travel industry.
Dow told Bloomberg he remains hopeful that Trump will "clarify" his policies to make international visitors feel more welcome.
In USTravel's most recent press release, Dow noted the association's early goodwill for Trump.
"The travel community has been deferential to this new administration, whose charge it is to keep us safe," he said. "So now we respectfully request public acknowledgement of our nation's interest in welcoming legitimate travel. …
"Imbalanced communication is especially susceptible to being ‘lost in translation,'" he said.
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