As President Trump declares war on crime in Washington, D.C., deploying many National Guard troops, the D.C. tourism industry is reportedly taking a significant hit due to a significant decline in tourists. Local media outlet WTOP.com reported on the 27th in an article titled, “D.C. Government Welcomes Tourists Amid Trump’s Crime Crackdown,” about the current state of the D.C. tourism industry, including lodging and food service establishments.
According to the outlet, the Washington, D.C. tourism industry has already been struggling this year, with a projected 5.1% decrease in international tourists. The tourism industry is reportedly growing concerned that the recent surge in federal law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Guard, could drive away even more tourists.
An official from the Washington, D.C., Tourism Board stated, “Some international tourists are anxious about hearing about tanks rolling through the streets of DC,” while others are concerned about whether they will be welcomed and whether the entry process is acceptable.
Faced with this sharp decline in tourists, Washington, D.C., city government and the Tourism Board are striving to win back tourists, citing recent improvements in public safety and a safer environment thanks to their fight against crime.
The DC Tourism Board is expected to launch a new marketing campaign to attract more tourists soon. Meanwhile, the number of Korean tourists to the United States has recently decreased by 25% due to stricter US immigration procedures and the strong dollar.