Recent studies show that America’s low prioritisation of visitor visa processing is severely hindering its economic recovery.
According to a new analysis released by U.S. Travel Association economists, an estimated 6.6 million potential visitors have opted not to travel to America with a projected loss of 11.6 billion dollars in tourist expenditure.
‘Outrageous wait times send a message to travellers that the United States is closed for business,’ said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman.
Wait times for visitor visa interviews now exceed 400 days for first-time applicants from top source markets – an immense deterrent that is undercutting America’s global competitiveness – sending millions of potential visitors and billions in traveller spending to other nations.
‘Excessive visa delays are essentially a travel ban – no one is going to wait 1-2 years for an interview with a U.S. government official to gain permission to visit the United States,’ Freeman added. ‘Our new research shows that millions of potential visitors will simply choose other destinations – destinations that effectively compete for their business.’
‘With a recession looming on the horizon, the United States simply cannot afford to turn away billions of dollars in visitor spending,’ said Freeman. ‘The Obama administration effectively addressed a similar problem and we call on the Biden administration to do the same.’
Picture: Getaway Gallery
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