Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

International travel to U.S. hit by immigration ban, coronavirus

Two crises could slow visits from abroad for days or weeks to come

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO the U.S. may take a hit from two directions over the coming days. First is an expansion of President Trump’s travel ban limiting visits from certain countries, and the other is the rapidly spreading corona virus from China.

Trump’s ‘travel ban’ revives controversy


On Jan. 31, Trump signed a proclamation restricting immigrant visas for citizens of Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen and Somalia, most of which were included in Trump’s original ban in 2017. North Korea and Venezuela are new additions.

The new proclamation also suspended overseas issuance of visas for some citizens of Burma, also known as Myanmar, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan and Nigeria. It also suspends Sudan and Tanzania from participation in the U.S. Visa Lottery.

“Countries that fail to conduct proper identity management protocols and procedures, or that fail to provide information necessary to comply with basic national security requirements—including sharing terrorist, criminal, or other identity information—face the risk of restrictions and limitations on the entry of their nationals into the U.S.,” the proclamation said. “The administration will work with the non-compliant countries to bring them into compliance with U.S. security standards.”

The new restrictions apply only to immigration visas, not tourist, business or other non-immigrant travels. However, the implementation of these new rules can still affect the international travel trade, Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association said in a statement.

“The fact is the words carry weight. While the countries affected by the expanded policy represent a very small fraction of visitation to the U.S., restricting entry to the U.S. carries a negative perception that threatens the reputation of our country as an attractive and welcoming destination for global business and leisure travelers,” Dow said. “Protecting the country is paramount—everyday travel cannot continue without it—but policies must always strike a balance between meeting security imperatives and continuing to welcome everyday travelers to the United States. Robust and safe international inbound travel to the U.S. is essential to the administration’s goals for economic, job, and export growth.”

The fact that the countries on the list predominantly have large Muslim populations has led to accusations that it is based on racist xenophobia. It also led to some hard feelings by U.S. ally Nigeria that it was included on the list, according to The New York Times.

“The country has committed a lot of resources to fight terrorism. Any travel ban cannot but be inimical to the growth of the country,” Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s minister of information and culture, told The Times shortly before the new restrictions were released. “Once a travel ban is imposed on a country, the consequences are not always pleasant.”

Asian outbreak causes panic, travel restrictions

The novel coronavirus, officially named 2019-nCoV by the World Health Organization, was first reported in Wuhan, China, on Dec. 31. Since then the virus has spread to 23 countries outside of China, including the U.S., with 20,630 cases confirmed globally as of Tuesday.

The virus has killed more than 400 people in China and one person outside the country.

Occupancy at hotels in China declined 75 percent the week of Jan. 14 to 26, significantly impacting the usually busy Chinese New Year holiday during that time, according to STR. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has instructed airlines to ask passengers on incoming international flights if they had been to mainland China in the past two weeks and stated that those who have been there in the past 14 days must enter the country at specific airports equipped to handle screening them, such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and LAX, according to The Hill.com.

Despite the restrictions, people will continue to travel, said Dan Richards, CEO at travel risk and crisis response provider Global Rescue based in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

“Traveler concerns are elevated. But they will still take trips and make travel plans,” Richards said. “The only difference is that they will take additional precautions – like travel protection and immunization shots – and make different destination choices.”

About 91 percent of respondents to a Global Rescue poll said they would travel in 2020 despite 85 percent of them saying they are concerned about travel.

At least one hotel company, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, issued a statement on its reaction to the virus.

“We are currently recommending that our hotels in China follow the guidelines established by the WHO, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and their local health departments – and to report any suspected cases to the proper authorities as soon as possible,” Wyndham said. “We are sending supplies to our hotels in China for distribution to workers, guests, and members of the community. Additionally, guests traveling to or from China with direct bookings for stays in any of our hotels from Jan. 22 through Feb. 29 will have their cancellation or change penalties waived.”

More for you

Global Hotel Rates to Stay Stable in 2026

Report: Global hotel rates steady despite uncertainty

Summary:

  • Global hotel rates are expected to remain stable through 2026, according to AMEX GBT.
  • New York is a key business travel and meetings destination.
  • India is likely to be a focus for travel programs during 2026 negotiations.

GLOBAL HOTEL RATES are expected to remain stable through 2026, as geopolitical tensions and potential U.S. tariffs limit demand and constrain price increases, according to American Express Global Business Travel. New York remains a popular destination for business travel and meetings.

AMEX GBT’s Hotel Monitor 2026, an annual forecast of global hotel rates in business travel destinations, identified India as a key market, with hotel rates and occupancy set to rise.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump reviewing 55 million us visas
Getty Images

Trump reviewing 55 million visas

Summary:

  • The Trump administration says it is reviewing more than 55 million visa holders.
  • Reviews cover a wide range of visas for law enforcement and overstay violations.
  • The administration also suspended worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION is reviewing more than 55 million people who hold valid U.S. visas for potential violations. It is expanding a policy of “continuous vetting” that could result in revocation and deportation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Funds Rio Las Vegas Renovations | $176M CPACE Loan
Photo credit: Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Peachtree originates retroactive CPACE loan for Rio Vegas

Summary:

  • Peachtree Group originated a $176.5 million retroactive CPACE loan for a Las Vegas property.
  • The deal closed in under 60 days and ranks among the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.
  • The company promotes retroactive CPACE funding for commercial real estate development.

PEACHTREE GROUP ORIGINATED a $176.5 million retroactive Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy loan for Dreamscape Cos.’s Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The deal, completed in under 60 days, is its largest credit transaction and one of the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spark Acquires Home2 Suites Wayne, New Jersey
Photo Credit: Hunter Hotels

Spark acquires Wayne, N.J., Home2 Suites

Summary:

  • Spark acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey.
  • Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the transaction with DC Hospitality Group affiliates.
  • The 2020-built hotel is near William Paterson University and less than 20 miles from Manhattan.

SPARK GHC RECENTLY acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey, from affiliates of DC Hospitality Group. Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the deal for an undisclosed amount.

Keep ReadingShow less
Global hotel construction pipeline reaches record 15,871 projects in Q2 2025, with U.S. and Dallas leading growth
Photo Credit: iStock

Report: Global pipeline hits 15,871 projects

Summary:

  • Global pipeline hit a record 15,871 projects with 2.4 million rooms in Q2.
  • The U.S. leads with 6,280 projects; Dallas tops cities with 199.
  • Nearly 2,900 hotels are expected to open worldwide by the end of 2025.

THE GLOBAL HOTEL pipeline reached 15,871 projects, up 3 percent year-over-year, and 2,436,225 rooms, up 2 percent, according to Lodging Econometrics. Most were upper midscale and upscale, LE reported.

Keep ReadingShow less