High fines, tough immigration policies and more complicated entry requirements. These are some of the reasons that are believed to be responsible for the lower interest in tourism in the United States.
“The whole of last year was very volatile, up and down, up and down,” says Didrik von Seth.
Overall, private trips to the USA fell by around 20 percent last year, according to the Swedish Travel Industry Association. So far this year the loss is even greater compared to last year and is almost 30 percent.
– It’s still early, but it’s not stabilizing, the trend right now is that there’s a further decline. You have to expect that the dollar will be significantly cheaper, says Didrik von Seth.
The US dollar has has recently fallen to just under nine crowns.
The weaker dollar is not dampening the decline?
– No. Normally, travel to the USA had increased by now.
According to Didrik von Seth, the dollar exchange rate usually has a significant impact on trips to the USA. But also when traveling in general, as the price of fuel for airplanes and ships, for example, is often set in dollars – and there a positive effect is noticeable.
– Now it’s only dollar-heavy destinations outside the US that are getting some upside push.
– We are now seeing, for example, that cruises in the Caribbean are on the rise. There is a certain currency effect in this, he says.
Swanson’s Travel Agencywhich specializes in travel to North America, saw a 23 to 24 percent decline in bookings last year. But sales were mixed and December, for example, was the best December in years.
“You can’t say it’s disconnected, but it’s jerky, a roller coaster ride,” says CEO Tommy Swanson.
He links the uncertainty to Trump’s policies and actions. He believes the big downturn is over and hopes a weak dollar later this year will help.
– I don’t think we’ll cut any further now, but rather work our way up.
