LAT: Tourists aren't flocking to the U.S.

I cringe with anger, just thinking of those words, spoken by such a contemtable little man, Whom the American public felt, they would be comfortable having a beer with, as the media and cable were so happy to inform the world.

Such an important requisite, for the World Leader of our times. Don't you think

After enjoying two extended visits to the USofA with my family, I would consider myself dirty, to even consider visiting a Country, that stood by and allowed a rogue govt, to steal two elections, declare an illegal war and occupation of a Soveriegn Nation, killing hundreds of thousands of innocent people. The world, I think had America in their prayers and hearts, after 9/11, to bad they had a rogue govt in the White House, who threw it all away with such arrogance, and disdain, and that goes across the board, having students from all over the world staying in my home, including Muslim students, I get the feelings of what the world is saying, in our discussions of world events while relaxing at the dinner table.

Sorry Christy still luv ya, but you are going to have to visit Down Under, where you will be very much welcomed.

Source: L.A. Times

The number of overseas visitors dropped sharply from 2000 to 2005. Mayors urge more spending on marketing.

By Kimi Yoshino, Times Staff Writer
June 22, 2007
Troubled by steep declines in international tourism, U.S. mayors are urging the federal government to spend more money on marketing the United States and to make the entry process friendlier and faster.
Responding to a survey by the Travel Business Roundtable, mayors from the country's top travel destinations said tourism — a driving force of the U.S. economy — needed to be a top priority.
The number of overseas visitors to the U.S. has dropped 17% since its peak in 2000 — and 20% in the top 15 cities — costing more than $100 billion in lost visitor spending through 2005, according to the Commerce Department.
In Los Angeles, tourism is expected to add $13 billion in direct cash to the economy this year. But from 2000 to 2005, the number of overseas travelers declined 27%. In Anaheim, home of Disneyland, the number of overseas visitors dropped 21% in the same period, Commerce Department statistics showed.