Cruel and unusual
The following story makes me quite sad, and it is one that I wish were not happening. Only it is, and until Donald Trump leaves office, there doesn’t appear to be much to do about it. Tourism in the United States is down—by 61%. That is a significant number of people who have decided not to visit the greatest country on earth.
It is Donald Trump’s cruel and unusual policies that are said to be driving down tourism numbers. Many do not want to risk being collared by ICE. Others are worried about tariffs. Still, others are starting to so dislike our policies (or Donald Trump’s) that they want no part in giving us their tax dollars. It’s a sad situation to be in.
“Many tourists have decided to give the land of the free — the cold shoulder.” So what’s happening now is that global travelers are going to countries with more friendly policies, countries where they can stroll freely, without having to worry about being snatched up by thugs in masks, without having to worry about a night out to dinner costing them a week’s worth of work.
The hospitality industry is also severely affected, with hotels and restaurants saying they have seen declining numbers in their foot traffic. Of course, this is leading to significant financial losses for the tourism and hospitality industries, adding still more stress to an industry that doesn’t need it.
We’re not a popular destination anymore. “Empty hotel rooms.” As a result of this mess, many hotels are seeing empty rooms. There are few signs saying: “no vacancy.” There are many signs saying “Vacancy.” But now, some of these properties have been forced to scale back their businesses.
Of course, this is the failure of one man and one man only. This is the man who singlehandedly, in a few short months, managed to turn America’s great majesty into a dirty word, a place that people once overcome with admiration are now running from in droves.
