The US People Have Spoken: Can International Tourism Help Seal the Deal for Change?

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Democrats are projected to take control of Congress, but Trump retains two years in the White House. With the Iran war, tensions over Cuba, and the threat of presidential vetoes, the global travel industry has a responsibility to prepare now — and turn the first 100 days of the new Congress into an opportunity to rebuild international trust, also through tourism.

WASHINGTON — The US people have spoken. The November 3 midterm elections have delivered a powerful political message, with Democrats projected to gain control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Yet President Donald Trump remains in the White House until January 2029, retaining his veto power and considerable executive authority. The next two years could bring confrontation, uncertainty and further international tensions. But they could also create an opportunity for the United States to rebuild trust, strengthen democratic accountability and reconnect with the world. For the international travel and tourism industry, the time to prepare is now.

To the international tourism community: Welcome US travelers with open arms. Show them that friendship, hospitality and mutual respect are stronger than political disagreements. And to everyone across the United States — from major cities and famous destinations to small towns, hotels, restaurants, attractions and tourism boards — continue welcoming visitors from around the world with an even bigger smile and open arms. Show them the United States they have known and loved for decades: a country of extraordinary landscapes, diverse communities, opportunity and warm hospitality. Let visitors experience the people behind the headlines and rediscover the friendships that have made US travel special for generations.

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January 2027: A new Congress, but the same president

The latest election-night reporting points to a substantial shift in Washington. ABC News has projected Democratic control of both congressional chambers, although individual races and final seat totals remain unresolved. ABC7 San Francisco+1

The new Congress takes office on January 3, 2027. But between now and then, the existing Congress and Trump administration retain their authority.

That makes the remaining weeks of 2026 especially important. Decisions on foreign policy, military operations, federal spending, immigration and executive action could shape the political and economic conditions inherited by the new Congress.

Trump has already indicated how he may respond to opposition.

In a November 3 interview with CBS News, the president emphasized his veto authority, saying he could use it against Democratic legislation. He also suggested that vetoes might eventually lead to negotiated compromises. CBS News

Congress can override a presidential veto only with a two-thirds majority in both chambers — a much higher threshold than the simple majority needed to pass most legislation.

The Senate also has a filibuster rule that generally requires 60 votes to advance contested legislation.

A Democratic Congress can investigate executive decisions, scrutinize spending, challenge administration priorities and exercise control over appointments. But it cannot simply reverse every presidential policy.

The next two years may therefore be defined by a struggle between congressional oversight and presidential executive authority.

Iran, Cuba and the dangerous weeks before January

The election does not end the war involving Iran, nor does it eliminate the possibility of further military escalation.

In September, Reuters reported that Trump threatened to intensify military action against Iran unless a peace agreement could be reached. He also suggested that an agreement might follow the midterm elections. Reuters

Cuba presents another source of concern.

Trump has publicly discussed the possibility of US warships visiting Cuba following the Iran conflict. The Associated Press reported those remarks in October, while US-Cuba relations remain strained. Fortune

These developments should not be confused with confirmation that the United States is at war with Cuba. Military threats, diplomatic pressure and an actual armed conflict are different realities.

For the tourism industry, however, the implications are already serious.

Military confrontation, fears of escalation, travel warnings, disrupted aviation, insurance costs and diplomatic uncertainty can influence international visitor confidence well beyond the countries directly involved.

The remaining weeks before January 3 could reveal whether the administration chooses compromise, further confrontation or a combination of both.

And even after the new Congress convenes, the president will retain substantial authority over military and foreign policy decisions.

A congressional election can change Washington’s balance of power. It cannot, by itself, guarantee peace.

Can the United States function again during Trump’s final two years?

The new congressional balance creates an opportunity for stronger oversight, but it does not guarantee effective government.

Reuters reported before the election that White House officials had been preparing ways to continue implementing Trump’s agenda through executive authority, including on immigration, tariffs and federal spending, even if Democrats gained control of Congress. Investing.com

The constitutional limits are clear. A new Congress cannot automatically remove the president, overturn every executive order or force him to sign legislation.

However, it can demand accountability, investigate government decisions, negotiate spending priorities and use public hearings to bring greater transparency to policies affecting ordinary people.

There is also a risk: prolonged battles over budgets and government funding could create more uncertainty for businesses, travelers and international partners.

The question is whether Congress and the White House will find areas of practical cooperation or spend two years preparing for the 2028 presidential election.

For US citizens and international observers, the answer will help determine whether January 2027 becomes the beginning of greater institutional stability or simply another chapter of political confrontation.

Tourism cannot wait until January 2029

Political promises alone cannot repair the damage to international visitor confidence. Some international travelers have become concerned about entry procedures, visa requirements, diplomatic tensions and the perception of how foreigners are treated in the United States.

Tourism Economics reported that overseas arrivals were down 5.8% year over year through August 2026, although performance differed substantially between source markets.

Yet the United States remains home to extraordinary tourism assets: national parks, world-class cities, cultural diversity, major events, historic communities and millions of people whose livelihoods depend directly or indirectly on welcoming visitors.

International tourism should not become collateral damage in Washington’s political battles.

And US travelers visiting other countries should not be held personally responsible for decisions made by their government.

Tourism can do something that political confrontation often cannot: keep people talking, visiting, understanding and respecting one another.

WTTC, USTOA and Destinations International: Prepare now for the first 100 days

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Destinations International, U.S. Travel Association, Brand USA, state tourism offices and regional destination organizations should not wait for the new Congress to convene before deciding how to respond.

The planning should begin immediately, with coordinated activities ready to launch when the new Congress takes office on January 3, 2027.

The first 100 days, through April 12, 2027, could provide a practical window for visible international cooperation.

A proposed 100-day tourism action plan

1. Before January 3 — Build the coalition. Invite international and US tourism associations, airlines, destinations and private-sector leaders to agree on a shared, nonpartisan visitor-confidence initiative.
2. Days 1–30 — Launch a worldwide welcome message. Encourage international destinations to welcome US travelers warmly, while US tourism organizations reinforce their commitment to international visitors.
3. Days 31–60 — Turn goodwill into practical action. Organize destination partnerships, travel-trade exchanges and meetings with congressional tourism stakeholders. Identify problems with visas, border procedures and visitor confidence.
4. Days 61–100 — Demonstrate measurable progress. Publish a visitor-confidence assessment, announce destination partnerships and present practical policy recommendations supported by the tourism industry.

Such a program would require leadership, resources and agreement among organizations with different priorities. No coordinated initiative of this kind should be assumed to exist until its participants announce one.

But the industry has a chance to take the initiative rather than wait for Washington.

The international community can help — without taking sides in US politics

International governments, tourism organizations and destinations cannot determine the future of the US presidency. Nor should they attempt to interfere in US democratic institutions.

They can, however, support peaceful international cooperation, maintain professional relationships and encourage policies that make legitimate travel safer, easier and more welcoming.

There is a distinction between supporting the US people and endorsing any particular administration.

Visitors can disagree with government policies while appreciating a country’s people, culture and destinations.

The same principle applies to US travelers abroad.

If the global tourism community truly believes travel is a force for peace and understanding, this is an opportunity to demonstrate that belief through action.

The US people have spoken. What happens next?

The November 2026 election may be remembered as a turning point. But history will judge the next two years by what actually changes.

Will the new Congress deliver accountability and practical solutions? Will the president negotiate or rely increasingly on vetoes and executive authority? Will international tensions involving Iran and Cuba ease or intensify?

And will the tourism industry continue waiting for political stability, or begin rebuilding relationships while the political debate continues?

The United States does not have to wait until January 2029 to demonstrate the hospitality, openness and international friendships that have defined its tourism industry for generations.

The global travel industry has less than two months to prepare for January and 100 days afterward to demonstrate that coordinated action can produce results.

Welcome US travelers around the world with open arms. Welcome international visitors to the United States with an even bigger smile.

Let the world see the country through its people, communities and destinations — not only through political headlines.

The US people have spoken. The next two years will test whether their elected institutions can respond.

International tourism cannot seal the political deal. But it can help rebuild the trust, goodwill and human connections that the United States will need, whatever happens in Washington.

And that work can begin today.