Travel is up all over the world; but it looks like fewer people are buying tickets to the United States.
According to the UN World Tourism Organization, Spain is expected to kick the US out of the number two spot, with France holding on to number one. The tourism organization does not have specific reasons for where each country landed on the list, but does admit it’s surprised both Spain and France were so high despite recent terror attacks in those countries.
It also says a political crisis complete with demonstrations in the Spanish region of Catalonia did nothing to sway tourists from hitting the popular beaches. The tourism organization says recent attempts by Spain to be competitive seem to be paying off. They include more entertainment options, luring in business conferences and building more accommodations in popular areas.
As for the US, international tourism shrank during the first five months of the Trump presidency. Experts say negative comments over immigration and dissent among political parties isn’t doing much to win over travelers either. But at least our beaches will be less crowded.
About Brian
CBS News Radio national business journalist Brian Banmiller has spent more than 40 years in the news industry, covering business, politics and the economy on television, radio and in print. Currently, his “Banmiller on Business” reports are delivered to an audience of millions nationwide.
