In his more than 20 years in the tourism industry, Raj Gyawali, who runs a tour company in Nepal, has become accustomed to cancellations due to illness or changes in plans. But recently, he witnessed an unprecedented case: an American client canceled a trip simply because he felt unsafe traveling abroad under the current US administration.
“Many people feel awkward coming from a country where they have to constantly defend or apologize for the current situation,” he shared, while affirming that this will have a big impact on many countries and tourism activities in general.
Trump's second term is creating turmoil in the international tourism industry
The fear of bringing American citizenship to the world
The desire to not be identified as American is widespread. As President Trump enters his second term, many Americans are beginning to feel a clear change in the way they are perceived abroad. While before, Mr. Trump’s image made many people laugh because of his “different” personality, now things have become more serious: controversial policies on trade, immigration, the environment and foreign affairs make Americans feel like they carry a political burden when going out into the world.
Sierra Malone, a communications professional who lived in the UK and is an avid traveler, said she had never felt so nervous as she prepared for a long trip to Europe.
“Last time (Trump’s first term) I just felt embarrassed. This time, it’s actually a feeling of fear,” she confided. “I haven’t been abroad since January, but just thinking about how the outside environment is different now, and wondering how people view Americans… it’s really scary.”
The sentiment is not limited to emotions. Many tourists have begun to adjust the way they dress, speak, and even consider hiding their nationality. Some even joke that they want to carry a sign that says, “I am American, but not that kind of American.”
According to a report by a British market research and data analysis company, goodwill towards the United States is declining significantly in many European countries. People in countries such as Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, or the United Kingdom said they no longer see the United States as a reliable partner, but are increasingly concerned about unilateral policies, tense diplomatic relations and shocking statements from the White House.
Denmark is the country with the lowest positive rating of Americans.
This also affects how Americans are perceived when they travel. No longer the friendly guests with the welcoming smile, many Americans now feel like they have to “explain” their country’s policies everywhere, from airports to restaurants to casual conversations with locals.
What are the options for traveling to the US?
Lisa VanderVeen, an American woman who frequently travels abroad, shared that she feels conflicted: on the one hand, she fears being the target of criticism or discrimination, especially when traveling alone; on the other hand, she feels a responsibility to project a different image of America - open, listening, and full of goodwill.
VanderVeen, however, has no intention of avoiding interacting with locals while abroad. She believes that travel can open up opportunities for cross-cultural connection, especially in turbulent times like the present. “People understand that we are just human beings, and certainly not all of us support what is happening in our country right now – especially when the world is looking at America as a country that is increasingly unfriendly and unwelcoming to other countries,” she said.
Travel can open up opportunities for connection between cultures, especially in uncertain times like the present.
Faced with this reality, many international travel agencies are also recalculating their strategies. Mr. Gyawali said that instead of considering this as a temporary phase, the tourism industry needs to see this as a long-term trend and prepare response plans, from how to communicate with customers to how to build appropriate images and experiences.
He also proposed some initiatives such as setting up a group of tourism experts to work together to come up with solutions. “The tourism industry tends to be reactive, only when there is a crisis does it start to deal with it. I think we need to be more proactive, to anticipate problems that may arise.” Tourism must protect itself in a world affected by Trump.
Some experts also advise that American travelers should be more mindful of how they behave, dress, and speak when traveling abroad. Wearing flag-emblazoned clothing or expressing strong political views can create unwanted reactions. Instead, modesty, openness, and respect for local culture are the keys to a smooth trip in today’s sensitive climate.
American tourists should pay more attention to their behavior, dress and conversation when traveling abroad.
Despite the bleak situation, many American travelers believe that travel is an opportunity to break stereotypes. Jessica Flores, chief experience officer at Tourism Cares, a nonprofit that promotes sustainable tourism, stressed that empathy is key when dealing with sensitive situations. “Try to understand the other person’s underlying concerns and adjust your behavior as needed,” she said. “Sometimes, kindness, patience, and a little genuine curiosity can help break the ice and open up meaningful connections.”
