DMAI, PCMA, MPI and the Meetings Mean Business Coalition have all released statements on President Donald Trump’s recent travel ban that has caused uncertainty ever since it was signed into action on Jan. 27.
The executive order indefinitely bars Syrian refugees from entering the country and suspends all refugee admission for 120 days (from the date when the order was signed). It also bans any non-U.S. citizen from Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen from entering the United States for at least 90 days.
Here is a collection of excerpts from industry association statements released in recent days.
From DMAI President & CEO Don Welsh on behalf of the organization:
“While DMAI understands the need for security in our travel, we are deeply concerned that a ban based on nationality—even a temporary one—runs contrary to the principle of freedom of travel promoted by the international tourism community,” Welsh said.
“An arbitrary ban like this one has the potential to interfere and impede the benefits the tourism industry offers by way of economic development, job creation and promoting understanding between countries and communities. DMAI strongly urges the Trump Administration to review any visa issuance procedures in question, and lift this travel ban as quickly as possible.”
From PCMA President and CEO Deborah Sexton on behalf of the association:
“Last week's Executive Order on immigration and refugees has left many of us with questions on how this will potentially impact our meetings and events, for both North American programs that have attendees from outside of North America and Global programs with North American attendees,” Sexton said.
“Know that we have been working closely with the Meetings Means Business Coalition to monitor the evolving policy and provide you with updates. Below find the Coalition’s update with information and clarity on the top questions business event professionals have regarding this Executive Order.”
From the Meetings Mean Business Coalition:
“The administration’s executive order on immigration and refugees has led to concern and confusion across the meetings industry. Our industry is all about bringing people together, fostering relationships, driving positive outcomes and supporting communities. We are continuing to monitor the issue and will be reaching out to our members to understand how the executive order is affecting them.
“At the same time, Meetings Mean Business joins with industry partners in reaffirming that it’s critical to strike the right balance between enhanced security and travel facilitation.
"Together, we urge the administration to conduct its review of the visa issuance protocols quickly, and trust that it will yield an even more secure travel security system that protects international travelers and welcomes them into our country whether traveling for a meeting or leisure.”
From MPI President & CEO Paul Van Deventer on behalf of the association:
“We are concerned the recently signed U.S. executive order on immigration and refugees could have negative impacts on our global membership community and the meeting and event industry.
"MPI is lending its full support to the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and their efforts to monitor this issue and understand potential implications. We will unite with fellow coalition members to advocate for our industry, sharing updates with our members on how Meetings Mean Business is ‘reaffirming that it’s critical to strike the right balance between enhanced security and travel facilitation.’”
More reactions on the travel ban from ASAE and the U.S. Travel Association are available here. In addition, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is keeping a running tally of those who are denied boarding on flights.
