A poll of Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) members on
Donald Trump's executive order banning travel to the U.S. from seven countries
found that 31% expect the ban to reduce their company's business travel in the
next three months.
The executive order puts a 90-day ban on travel to the U.S.
From Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia and Libya.
According to the GBTA, 29% of those polled said they believe
the ban will affect their company's business travel for the next three to six
months, and 28% said they felt it would affect it over the next six to 12
months and beyond.
Survey respondents said they are chiefly worried about the
potential for other countries to respond to the ban, with 63% indicating that
was a cause for concern. They were also concerned about complications in
traveling to the U.S. (56%) and increased threats to U.S. travelers abroad
(54%).
When it came to their own travelers, 55% said they were
concerned about "green card and approved visa credibility to enter the
United States." Fifty percent were concerned about increased harassment in
general as well as harassment of U.S. travelers going to and from the Middle
East. Another 22% did not have any of the listed concerns.
"Business travel drives lasting business growth and is
a leading indicator for jobs. With 30 percent of companies expected to reduce
travel, the economy will certainly take a hit," GBTA executive director
and COO Michael McCormick said in a statement.
"While we understand the need for security, GBTA is a
strong proponent of risk-based security programs like the Visa Waiver Program. By
facilitating travel and trade with 38 countries, the Visa Waiver Program spurs
job creation and economic growth, while remaining the gold standard of security
and efficiency in balancing the need to protect the American public while
facilitating global business travel. We hope to have the opportunity to work
with the administration going forward to form policies that ensure safe, secure
and efficient travel."
The GBTA study was conducted online between Jan. 31 and Feb.
1. A total of 58 members participated.