PARIS, France, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A US plan to step up scrutiny of foreign visitors' social media use threatens to cut tourist spending by up to $15.7 billion this year as people decide to stay away, an industry group said Thursday. It estimated that could lead to 4.7 million fewer international arrivals this year, a 24 percent drop from average levels, and potentially reduce US tourism sector jobs by 157,000. Currently, those travellers need apply only for a waiver known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Under the new rules, the collection of social media data including use history from the past five years would become a "mandatory" part of ESTA applications. In 2024, the tourism sector contributed $2.6 trillion to the US economy and supported more than 20 million jobs.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 29, 2026 13:22 UTC