Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel has expressed concerns regarding the perception of the United States as a travel destination, suggesting it has been negatively impacted. Speaking to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Fogel indicated that the situation presents challenges for those in the U.S. tourism sector.
He suggested that the nation could benefit from projecting a more welcoming image to international visitors. Fogel specifically cited occasional issues encountered during airport passport control as a potential deterrent for travelers. While acknowledging and respecting the U.S.’s security needs, he emphasized the importance of streamlining the entry process to minimize traveler inconvenience.
The Booking Holdings leader anticipates that this evolving perception poses a risk to the U.S. tourism industry, particularly in light of upcoming major sporting events including the Men’s FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympic Games. Fogel cautioned that without proactive efforts from the U.S. government to promote the country as a desirable destination, it risks losing out on tourism revenue to competing locations. He underscored the urgency of action to ensure the U.S. remains a competitive choice for international travelers.