President Donald Trump’s sweeping policy changes in his second term are set to significantly impact travel in the U.S. His administration has imposed tariffs, implemented an immigration crackdown, and made major government cuts, including firing thousands of federal employees. These changes are expected to affect domestic and international tourism, raising concerns among industry experts.

Axar.az reports that in an article published on BBC, Lindsey Galloway talks about Trump’s presidency’s impact on travel industry.

Air travel is facing serious disruptions, especially after four fatal plane crashes in recent weeks. Confidence in aviation safety has dropped, and layoffs at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) could further exacerbate the situation. The disbanding of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee has raised concerns about the federal government’s commitment to aviation safety. Additionally, the State Department has suspended the processing of passports with an X gender marker, making travel more difficult for non-binary individuals.

Road travel may also be impacted, with gas prices expected to rise due to potential tariffs on Canadian oil. Those driving electric vehicles could face additional challenges, as the administration has paused funding for charging infrastructure projects. National parks are also affected, with 1,000 park employees laid off, leading to concerns about maintenance, visitor center hours, and reduced services.

Train travel is under financial scrutiny as well. Federal funding for Amtrak, high-speed rail projects, and railroad safety programs may be cut, sparking fears of higher ticket prices and reduced service. Some experts believe the administration is aiming to privatize parts of the rail system, which could lead to accessibility issues.

The hospitality industry is bracing for labor shortages as immigration restrictions tighten, particularly with work visas like the H-2B under review. Hotels, restaurants, and other service industries heavily rely on immigrant workers, and stricter immigration policies could result in rising costs, lower service quality, and economic downturns in key travel hubs like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Business travel is also expected to decline due to global uncertainty surrounding U.S. policies, affecting major industry events.

Visas and tourism are facing stricter regulations, with heightened security measures leading to processing delays. This could result in billions of dollars in lost revenue, particularly as the U.S. prepares to host major global events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The U.S. Travel Association has warned that slow visa processing times alone could cost nearly $19 billion in tourism losses over the next two years.