World Cup travel barriers worry U.S. hospitality industry
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The U.S. hospitality industry hopes next month's World Cup can make up for last year's decline in foreign tourism, but travel restrictions and steep prices may keep visitors away.
The big picture: An estimated 1.2 million international fans are coming to the U.S. for the tournament, according to the New York Times, citing the research firm Tourism Economics.
Yes, but: About 65%–70% of hotel owners in World Cup host cities surveyed said visa barriers and geopolitical concerns are "significantly suppressing international demand," according to a recent survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
- About 80% of respondents say hotel bookings are tracking below initial forecasts, according to the survey.
- Meanwhile, hotels are also working to fill large blocks of rooms that FIFA previously reserved but later canceled.
Friction point: The Trump administration's Visa Bond Pilot Program requires visitors from certain countries — including World Cup nations like Senegal, Tunisia and Côte d'Ivoire — to deposit $5,000–$15,000 per person to receive a tourist visa.
- Meanwhile, visitors from 19 other countries, including Haiti and Iran, are banned from coming to the U.S. under expanded Trump travel restrictions.
What they're saying: "Even with global anticipation building, the path to the U.S. for many World Cup travelers feels increasingly less like a red-carpet welcome," the American Hotel & Lodging Association report says.
- "There is a perception that international travelers may face lengthy visa wait times, increased visa fees, and lingering uncertainty around entry processing."
High prices for airfare and gas also make the U.S. a more expensive destination compared to past World Cups, the report says.
- "Taken together, these factors are contributing to a growing sense that visiting the U.S. for the World Cup may be more complicated and costly."
The other side: The U.S. Travel Association, which surveyed international soccer fans, said last month that many concerns are due to "misperceptions" over safety and proposed changes to the tourist visa process.
- About a third of respondents to its recent survey cited increased visa application fees and proposed social media reviews for travel authorization, though neither policy has been enacted yet, per the group.
- World Cup ticket holders will see expedited visa processing, a representative of the U.S. Travel Association told news outlet CoStar.
- "Addressing these misperceptions through clear communication about visa and entry processes, historically low crime rates, and a unified welcome from industry and government will be critical to converting interest into arrivals," the group wrote in a press release.
