MARCO ISLAND, Fla. – Politics has replaced finances as the top concern of active USTOA members, according to a new survey conducted by the United States Trade Association (USTOA).
The results of USTOA’s 2024 Economic Impact Study were released at the organization’s annual conference and marketplace.
Geopolitical conflict is the top concern, with 58% saying they are extremely or very worried about disruptive events such as the war in Ukraine or a terrorist attack in Israel. Overall, political instability is a strong concern for 56% of members.
The survey, conducted by PwC, has been published annually for the past six years. Last year, participants ranked rising cost of living (67%) as the most important issue they face, followed by global financial instability (59%) and widespread staffing shortages (59%).
Terry Dyer
“Last year, we were more focused on financial stability and inflation,” said Terry Dale, USTOA president and CEO. “It was more about the cost of capital and eggs and the cost of making travel packages. So that’s the focus “
Dell sounded cautious when asked how incoming President Trump’s promise of higher tariffs might affect global travel. “You want to be proactive and prepared. But with this administration – and I don’t mean that negatively – you almost have to wait and see.
“There’s a lot of rhetoric. But how much of that rhetoric gets implemented and how much of an impact it has on us, we don’t know yet. I don’t like ‘wait and see,’ but we kind of have to be ready if these tariffs come. “
