Thomas Friedman addresses why the US is hurting it's own interests when it goes overboard in blocking the world's travelers from easily entering this country. Not a shocker, but Friedman always does a great job making the case. He interviews Roger Dow, president of the Travel Industry Association for the article:
[Dow] told me that the United States has lost millions of overseas visitors since 9/11 — even though the dollar is weak and America is on sale. “Only the U.S. is losing traveler volume among major countries, which is unheard of in today’s world,” Mr. Dow said.
Total business arrivals to the United States fell by 10 percent over the 2004-5 period alone, while the number of business visitors to Europe grew by 8 percent in that time. The travel industry’s recent Discover America Partnership study concluded that “the U.S. entry process has created a climate of fear and frustration that is turning away foreign business and leisure travelers and hurting America’s image abroad.” Those who don’t visit us, don’t know us.
My favorite quote:
If Disney World can remain an open, welcoming place, with increased but invisible security, why can’t America?
Thanks to reader Patrick for the link suggestion.
New law for Portugal Property owners! Fine of €25,000 if your wells, boreholes, septic tanks etc. are not registered in May 2009. Read the announcement on www.algarvepropertyworld.com....
Posted by: | June 05, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Those taking a Portugal villa holidays in the Algarve this year will be pleased to learn that the country is home to 18 of the world's top courses and recently scooped the International Association of Golf Tour Operators Award. Property Algarve…
Posted by: | May 11, 2009 at 12:04 AM