IITA Warns That Social Media Requirement for ESTA Applications Could Discourage International Visitors and Harm U.S. Inbound Travel

The International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) has expressed significant concerns regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s proposal to mandate social media account information from all applicants under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). IITA warns that this new requirement could deter international visitors from choosing the U.S. as their travel destination. While the association supports security measures, it argues that the added complexity of disclosing social media details and personal information could raise privacy issues and create logistical challenges. With the U.S. inbound tourism sector already grappling with rising costs, visa delays, and stricter entry rules, this proposal could further undermine the industry’s competitiveness and discourage potential travelers.

“Inbound travel is essential to the U.S. economy, and every additional layer of complexity in the entry process risks discouraging legitimate visitors, particularly those coming from countries already vetted through U.S. security standards,” said Lisa Simon, CEO/Executive Director of IITA. “Inbound operators and their partners fully support strong security protocols, but, the proposed requirement to collect social media and extensive personal and family background information introduces new privacy concerns and logistical barriers at a time when we can least afford additional deterrents to international visitors.”

The association highlights that the U.S. inbound tourism industry is already facing numerous obstacles. These include rising costs, fierce competition from other global destinations, visa processing delays, increased entry requirements, and the introduction of new fees for national park access. Now, the potential social media disclosure requirement could be the tipping point, dissuading international tourists from choosing the U.S. as their destination.

Currently, travelers from 42 countries approved through the Visa Waiver Program can visit the U.S. for business or tourism without needing a visa, as long as their stay is 90 days or less. To enter, they must obtain ESTA approval prior to travel. However, the proposed change would introduce a new hurdle for travelers. Social media history would be required as part of the ESTA application, alongside “high value data” that includes a wide range of personal details, such as past business and personal telephone numbers and email addresses, family members’ names, dates of birth, residencies, and phone numbers from the past five years, as well as biometric data (face, fingerprint, DNA, and iris).

The IITA warns that these additional data collection measures could create unnecessary barriers for travelers, particularly at a time when the U.S. tourism sector is struggling to recover from the combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing logistical challenges. This proposed rule could further discourage international visitors, many of whom may already be hesitant due to existing entry requirements and rising costs.

In response, IITA has vowed to submit official comments on the proposal, advocating for a balanced approach that safeguards national security while also maintaining the U.S.’s appeal as a global tourism destination. The organization is urging its members and other stakeholders in the international inbound travel sector to do the same, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed.

The impact of these changes could be significant. While the intention behind the proposal is to enhance security measures, the practical implications of such a sweeping requirement are not without merit. The inclusion of social media history, in particular, could raise questions about privacy and data security, especially when dealing with individuals from countries with strong concerns about government surveillance.

Moreover, international travelers might become more hesitant to visit the U.S. if they perceive the entry process as overly invasive. With competitive destinations like Europe, Canada, and Asia all vying for tourists, any additional deterrents could lead to a decrease in the number of visitors choosing to travel to the U.S. This could have far-reaching consequences for the economy, particularly in cities and regions that rely heavily on tourism for revenue.

“We urge CBP to fully assess the economic impact of this requirement,” said Lisa Simon, CEO of IITA added. “Our industry stands ready to work with CBP and other federal agencies to balance security with smart policy that supports — rather than suppresses — international visitation.”

The IITA has warned that the proposed social media requirement for ESTA applications could deter international visitors, adding privacy concerns and logistical barriers at a time when U.S. inbound tourism is already facing challenges.

In conclusion, while the U.S. remains a premier destination for travelers worldwide, the potential introduction of social media and personal background information requirements under the ESTA process presents new challenges. IITA continues to advocate for a solution that both protects national security and ensures the U.S. remains an attractive destination for international tourists. The association’s response to the proposal will be critical in shaping the future of inbound tourism to the U.S.

The post IITA Warns That Social Media Requirement for ESTA Applications Could Discourage International Visitors and Harm U.S. Inbound Travel appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Delhi Battles Severe Winter Fog, Slowing Flights And Traffic To A Halt While Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels: New Update You Need To Know

On the morning of December 15, 2025, Delhi was hit by its first major winter fog of the season, causing significant disruptions to both air travel and road traffic. Visibility dropped drastically across the capital, prompting flight delays and a yellow fog alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which recorded a minimum temperature of 8.2°C. This thick fog, which blanketed the city during the early hours, led to a series of advisories from airlines and authorities, urging passengers to exercise caution and plan for additional travel time.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of the busiest airports in the country, continued operations despite the adverse conditions. However, airport authorities issued warnings that flights lacking advanced landing technology for low visibility, such as the CAT III system, could face delays or cancellations. This system allows aircraft to land safely in minimal visibility, but not all planes are equipped with it. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the operator of IGI, acknowledged the potential for disruptions and assured passengers that they were working closely with all stakeholders to minimize delays.

Airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet quickly issued statements regarding the fog’s impact on their flight schedules. IndiGo informed passengers that the reduced visibility around IGI was causing delays in flight departures, with some flights taking longer than scheduled to take off. Air India also acknowledged the dense fog and its effect on both departures and arrivals, particularly in Delhi and northern India, advising travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. SpiceJet echoed these warnings, cautioning passengers that both incoming and outgoing flights could face delays due to the foggy conditions, and advised travelers to stay updated through the airline’s website for the latest information.

The fog did not only affect air travel; it also worsened Delhi’s already poor air quality. The air quality index (AQI) skyrocketed, crossing the 450 mark and even reaching 500 in some areas, such as Ashok Vihar. These figures placed the capital in the “Severe Plus” category, which poses serious health risks, especially for people with respiratory conditions. The high pollution levels compounded the effects of the fog, making visibility even worse and further slowing down traffic across the city. Commuters and passengers traveling to the airport were advised to allow for extra travel time as the poor visibility affected road conditions and slowed down vehicles.

The combination of thick fog, hazardous air quality, and disrupted flight schedules led to a stressful start to the day for many passengers. With the fog expected to persist, authorities continued to monitor conditions and urged travelers to stay informed about the weather and flight updates. While Delhi airport’s operations continued, passengers were reminded to check with their airlines regularly and be prepared for potential delays or schedule changes.

The fog also served as a reminder of the challenges posed by the changing weather patterns in northern India. Winter fog in Delhi, a frequent occurrence during the colder months, can create significant problems for air travel, particularly as the city grapples with rising pollution levels. The IMD’s yellow alert for fog, which advised the public to take precautions, highlighted the ongoing issues of low visibility, particularly during the early morning hours when the fog tends to be densest. Travelers were urged to be cautious, not only due to the fog but also due to the declining air quality, which could pose additional health risks.

As the city continued to face these challenges, the need for improved air quality management and infrastructure to handle such weather events became more apparent. Delhi’s residents, travelers, and authorities are accustomed to the harsh realities of winter fog, but as this event showed, it remains a persistent issue that can cause widespread disruption, particularly in a city as densely populated and travel-intensive as Delhi.

The post Delhi Battles Severe Winter Fog, Slowing Flights And Traffic To A Halt While Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels: New Update You Need To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Frontier Airlines Unveils New Routes from Atlanta to St. Maarten, The Bahamas, Mexico, and More, Bringing Affordable Flights to Popular Destinations

Frontier Airlines continues to strengthen its presence at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with the introduction of six new routes this month. These new destinations will connect Atlanta to some of the most sought-after international spots, including St. Maarten, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Mexico, as well as Milwaukee in the United States. With this expansion, Frontier will now offer nonstop flights to 61 destinations from ATL, further cementing its position as a go-to airline for affordable travel.

To mark this exciting growth, Frontier is offering enticing introductory fares starting as low as $49, giving passengers even more opportunities to explore new destinations at a budget-friendly price.

New Routes and Introduction Dates

• St. Maarten (SXM): Weekly flights starting December 6, 2025, with fares from $89*.
• Nassau, The Bahamas (NAS): Weekly flights starting December 13, 2025, with fares from $79*.
• Milwaukee (MKE): Twice-weekly flights starting December 19, 2025, with fares from $49*.
• Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (PLS): Weekly flights starting December 20, 2025, with fares from $99*.
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PVR): Weekly flights starting December 20, 2025, with fares from $119*.
• San José del Cabo, Mexico (SJD): Weekly flights starting December 20, 2025, with fares from $119*.

These new routes are part of Frontier’s commitment to providing affordable travel options and connecting more passengers to exciting destinations. However, travelers are encouraged to check Frontier’s website for the most up-to-date information and fare details, as prices and schedules are subject to change.

Enhanced Travel Experience with New Offerings

As part of its expanding network and ongoing commitment to improving customer service, Frontier Airlines is introducing several upgrades under the initiative known as “The New Frontier.” One of the most notable enhancements is the UpFront Plus seating option, which provides passengers with extra legroom and elbow space in the first two rows of the aircraft. Additionally, this upgrade guarantees an empty middle seat for increased comfort, making long flights more enjoyable.

Looking ahead, Frontier is also set to debut First Class seating in early 2026. This new cabin class will combine the comfort and space of traditional first-class travel with Frontier’s signature affordability. The introduction of First Class is expected to provide a premium experience for passengers without the hefty price tag typically associated with this level of service.

Upgraded Frequent Flyer Program

In addition to expanding its route network and enhancing in-flight services, Frontier Airlines has revamped its frequent flyer program, FRONTIER Miles. The updated program is designed to reward loyal customers for every dollar spent. Members earn miles at a rate of 10X per dollar spent on Frontier services, with the opportunity for even greater rewards at higher membership levels. For example, elite members can earn up to 20X miles per dollar spent.

Elite status can be achieved with just 10,000 points, unlocking a range of valuable benefits such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and preferred seat selection. The new program is also family-friendly, allowing elite members to pool their miles, making it easier for families to accumulate rewards and enjoy the perks together.

A Growing Presence in Atlanta and Beyond

With these new routes, enhanced customer experience offerings, and a revamped loyalty program, Frontier Airlines is well-positioned for continued growth at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and other key markets. As the airline continues to expand its network, passengers can look forward to even more travel options, all while benefiting from Frontier’s reputation for offering low-cost fares.

Whether it’s a tropical getaway to The Bahamas or a quick weekend trip to Milwaukee, Frontier Airlines is making it easier than ever to travel affordably without compromising on comfort or service. With more routes and new services rolling out, the airline is strengthening its presence as a major player in the budget travel space, offering travelers great value and exceptional options.

The post Frontier Airlines Unveils New Routes from Atlanta to St. Maarten, The Bahamas, Mexico, and More, Bringing Affordable Flights to Popular Destinations appeared first on Travel And Tour World.