ASPEN, Colo. -- President Trump's rhetoric on immigrants could have a big impact on Colorado’s economy -- especially regarding Mexican tourists.
In an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, Mike Kaplan, the CEO of Aspen Ski Company, says there was about a 30 percent drop in visitors from Mexico during the 2016-17 ski season, with many Mexican tourists choosing to ski in Canada.
Kaplan blames the “xenophobia radiating from the Oval Office” as the reason why Mexican skiers are staying away.
"If President Trump is as concerned with the U.S. trade deficit as he says, he should recognize that tourism to the U.S. is a type of export to other countries. Foreign visitors come here and spend their money. The U.S. destinations they visit cannot be 'off-shored' or moved to Mexico," Kaplan wrote.