US open for business and “still friendly” despite Donald Trump say tourism bosses

DONALD Trump’s travel bans have made life more challenging for tourism bosses who have visited Australia to remind us the US remains open.

US tourism officials have travelled to Australia to spruik a message of diversity and acceptance, in the face of President Donald Trump’s controversial travel bans.

As the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) warned of a slowdown in inbound travel to the US, Visit West Hollywood CEO Tom Kiely and Board Chair Greg Harless reassured Australians they were very much open for business.

In Sydney for a series of media and trade events, Mr Kiely said he was concerned the perception of travellers was the US was changing for the worse.

“The (travel) bans and limitations do not make our job any easier but it’s not any more difficult for Australians to come to the US,” said Mr Kiely.

“West Hollywood is a diverse community and we welcome and embrace diversity. We want people to know we’re still a friendly location.”

West Hollywood — tourism bosses are keen to promote the message they embrace diversity. Picture: Taggart Sorensen

WTTC CEO David Scowsill also raised concerns about “anti-foreign sentiment” dampening the growth outlook for the US in 2017, after a strong 2016.

“For the US to continue on this growth path, it is important to address the current forecast drop in inbound travel, and to reverse the negative perceptions created by the proposed travel ban,” Mr Scowsill said.

“After all, 9.4 per cent of American jobs depend on travel and tourism.”

He urged the US administration to promote the diversity of the country to the travelling public and continue to be open for business.

“That means no discrimination among those that want to visit the country for business and leisure purposes,” Mr Scowsill said.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data on overseas departures for December recorded the first month on month decline in the number of Aussies heading to the US since November 2014.

In January Australian short-term departures to the US were stagnant, compared with January 2016.

Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, is a magnet for tourists.

Australian Federation of Travel Agents CEO Jayson Westbury said it was too early to identify a “trend” in the data.

“The United States can be seasonal and to get a trend, we need more time to be able to really tell,” said Mr Westbury.

“We have not had any specific intelligence at this stage that would indicate a shift away from the US.”

Mr Kiely said in the meantime, they would continue to target Australia as their “number one market”.

“Australians are extremely important to West Hollywood and we want to ensure we continue to be top of mind,” Mr Kiely said.

“Travellers have a lot of choices but that’s one of the key reasons we’re here promoting West Hollywood.”