Travel to Washington, D.C., from Western Europe is down more than 10 percent since President Donald Trump took office. Overall, 3.5 percent fewer visitors came from the region to the U.S. last year, as many travelers canceled their trips in response to Trump’s trade wars and other attacks on America’s traditional allies, according to the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office. Of those who did come, many skipped out on the nation’s capital and other big cities in favor of more affordable destinations. Travel to Washington, D.C., fell by 11 percent, while California and New York experienced 9 percent and 4 percent declines, respectively. New York still receives the largest share of Western European travelers, who represent 37 percent of visitors to the U.S. overall. About 12 million Western Europeans visit each year and contribute $39 billion to the economy. The travel industry is concerned that even more international visitors could stay away if the Trump administration adopts strict new entry rules. Under the proposed rules, even European travelers who don’t need a visa and are traveling on the ESTA waiver program would be required to turn over five years of their social media history, personal family information, and biometrics—including DNA—at the border.
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