The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has warned that a proposed U.S. government rule requiring Visa Waiver Program travelers to provide social media information could significantly damage the country’s travel and tourism sector, potentially leading to losses of up to USD 15.7 billion in visitor spending and the elimination of as many as 157,000 jobs.

The proposal, aimed at strengthening national security, would affect travelers from 42 countries currently eligible to enter the United States under the ESTA program. According to the WTTC, the new requirements could deter millions of international visitors and weaken one of the most important drivers of the U.S. economy.

“WTTC urges U.S. policymakers to carefully assess this policy and its consequences for the economy and jobs,” said Gloria Guevara Manzo, WTTC President & CEO. “Travel & Tourism is a critical driver of economic growth, job creation and international connectivity.”

Travelers React to Proposed ESTA Changes

In partnership with GSIQ and Oxford Economics, the WTTC conducted a multi-country survey of more than 4,500 international travelers across nine countries, including South Korea, France, Italy and Japan. The findings show that 66% of respondents were already aware of the proposed changes to the ESTA requirements.

Notably, 34% of travelers said they would be somewhat or much less likely to visit the United States in the coming years if the rule is implemented. Most respondents agreed that the new measures would make the U.S. feel less welcoming and could harm its economy.

Only 12% said the changes would make them more likely to visit, while over 50% indicated that the policy would not affect their perception of personal safety while traveling in the U.S.

Economic Impact and Global Competitiveness

Under its high-impact scenario, the WTTC estimates a loss of 4.7 million international arrivals by 2026, representing a 23.7% decline in visitors from ESTA countries. This drop could translate into USD 21.5 billion in total Travel & Tourism GDP losses.

The organization also warned that the proposed requirements would be more intrusive than entry rules in competing destinations such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Western Europe, potentially undermining the United States’ competitiveness in the global tourism market.

The U.S. Travel Association previously cautioned that the proposed changes could have a “chilling effect” on international travel, at a time when the sector remains a cornerstone of economic recovery and employment growth.