Tourists and Travel Agents talk Tariff Impacts

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The recent tariff war didn't stop the British Cooper family from visiting the California coast.

Their daughter Shane even painted her nails with stars in honor of Hollywood.

"Just recently, with the tariffs obviously that can make a difference, but that actually worked well for our exchange rate for dollars to the pound," sand Mandy Cooper.

One Pound was worth about $1.32 on Wednesday.

But, the International Trade Administration linked to Goldman Sachs Group said arrivals of non-citizens to the United States dipped nearly ten percent in March when compared to the same time last year.

Their analysts estimate a .3 percent loss to the gross domestic product in a worst-case scenario.

The travel analyst and public information officer at the Santa Barbara Waterfront Department is watching for impacts, too.

"We get 15 dollars per passenger on cruise ships whether they get off or not," said Angela Rodriguez.

She said the Grand Princess had 2,460 people on board last week. It can carry up to 2,600 passengers.

Rodriquez said a majority of the passengers she has greeted on shore this year are U. S. travelers.

Rodriquez said her department would like to see the number of ship visits increase.

Agents at Montecito Village Travel are busy, but not as busy as usual.

Jane Scarcello said her phones are not ringing as much office and she recently helped clients change their itinerary.

"I had a few people change their trips they were going to Europe and they were not sure how well they would be received," said Scarcello.

She likes to lighten the mood when people are uncertain about their travel plans.

She has a Magic 8 Ball and a crystal ball on her desk.

"Well we like to have fun," said Scarcello. "Sometimes we just pull it out and ask silly questions and when someone doesn't know where they want to go uh we often times refer to it."

Agents highly recommend buying travel insurance and checking out the government's travel website for up to date information at https:/travel.state.gov

Governor Newsom is also trying to drum up travel business by inviting Canadians to California. They used to book long stays during the coldest months in Canada.

It's not scientific, but neon "No Vacancy" signs are a welcome sign for people who depend on tourism to make a living.