Will Trump’s Government Shutdown Affect Local Tourism?

As Congress struggles to make negotiations around Donald Trump’s proposed US$5billion wall along the US-Mexican border, many US citizens speak out publicly about the related government shutdown. There are reports about grossly understaffed security and other personnel at U.S. airports, making life even more difficult for travellers. As for President Trump, he has suggested the shutdown could continue through April.  

While federal workers, including from immigration departments, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and even national parks and museums, are either reporting to work without knowing when they will be paid or are keeping buildings closed, the world watches. The hashtag #shutdownstories has curated on social media hundreds of descriptions of how Trump’s decision has affected families’ abilities to pay rent, medical bills, mortgages and credit debtors. 

As of Friday the shutdown was at 35 days, the longest in US history. Government workers are finding legal ways to protect themselves from future shutdowns, some even filing lawsuits against the government for violating the 13th Amendment—the one that deals with slavery and involuntary servitude. 

We wondered whether the shutdown could impact tourism to Saint Lucia. Last year the island recorded 175,073 visitors from the United States, a 6,850 increase from 2017. Mirabile dictu, the island’s main hotels have not been noticeably impacted, no cancellations based on the US shutdown.  

A representative from Bay Gardens Resorts said: “From what I can see, our booking pace has been the same, so it’s hard to say right now. We’re not able to predict yet whether it would affect us.” Most hotels contacted had similar responses. But, with Donald Trump’s wall still unfunded, hotels that benefit from US dollars remain vigilant. 

The PR at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort said: “Our main regional team is in the States and we’re keeping an eye on things. But right now, for us it’s business as usual.” As we go to press US media reports that Donald Trump has temporarily reopened the government until Februay 15.