The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for tourism, expresses its deep concern and strongly condemns the recently announced ban on travel to the United States of America for nationals of seven countries (Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen).
The travel ban, based on nationality, goes against the principles of freedom of travel and travel facilitation upheld by the international tourism community. It will hinder the immense contribution of the tourism sector to economic growth and job creation in many countries, including the United States of America.
“Global challenges require global solutions and today’s security challenges should not lead us to build new walls. Isolationism and indiscriminate discriminatory measures will not improve security but, on the contrary, increase tensions and amplify threats,” declared UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai.
“In addition to their direct impact, such travel bans certainly harm the image, among visitors from around the world, of the country which imposes them in such a hostile manner and risk damaging the demand for travel to the United States of America,” added Mr. Rifai.
