Tourism Rises Globally, But Not to U.S.

International travelers worldwide have increased by 35 million since 2000, yet America has been largely overlooked despite favorable exchange rates. The annual number of foreign visitors to the U.S. is about 2 million lower now than in 2000, resulting in an estimated hit to the American economy of about $150 billion.

Some specific examples: foreign travel to the U.S. between 2000 to 2008 dropped 25% in Boston, 27% in Las Vegas, 29% in Los Angeles and 32% in Atlanta. Even the cities hosting Disney parks have seen a fall off: 34% fewer visitors to Orlando and 39% fewer to Anaheim.

A big part of the problem is an arduous visa process. For example, visa applicants from China, a huge potential market, must first get to a U.S. Embassy or a city with a U.S. consulate, wait in a long line, pay a $100 application fee and give a full accounting of all financial assets. The applicant must then return to the embassy or consulate for a two-minute interview that results in approval or rejection. Additonally, there's also a general perception in the world of an unwelcoming America.

The government is trying to improve the process, but the U.S. is still the only developed country that doesn't have a campaign to promote American travel to foreigners. "As a country we've had this ... arrogance that people will struggle to get here, while other countries have to promote themselves," says Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Electronics Association in Arlington, Virginia.

Some in Congress are working to change this. More than 40 senators and 200 House members are cosponsoring a "travel promotion act" that would create a $200 million program to communicate U.S. security and entry policies to foreigners while promoting America as a travel destination. (Christian Science Monitor)