Why has America lost 5 million tourists since Bush took office which is costing the US billions?

Question

US Tourism Article
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1640163,00.html?xid=rss-topstories

"Oxford Economics, in a recent analysis of travel policies written with former Homeland Security Department Secretary Tom Ridge, said the 17 percent drop in visits since 2000 has cost the United States $100 billion in lost visitor spending, almost 200,000 jobs and $16 billion in lost tax receipts."

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Fox wanted to boycott France. It seems that the world is beginning to boycott the US thanks to Mr. Bush and his cabinet.

nicolasraage (below) Einstein, the US dollar is WEAKER as posted in a previous question just minutes earlier.
See below. Neocons....

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aqdvod43IxuRrR0EXYmG5Nbsy6IX?qid=20070713153101AAZmxay

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjoyuOhslgOMobq4I38bUqDsy6IX?qid=20070713154209AAfHbso

Answer 1

When 9-11 took place hardly a plane took to the air for months.

My significant other works for a company that owns hotels, restaurants and supplies air travel for millions each year and they're still digging out from under; since 9-11.

Thank you for participating in Yahoo Answers and getting a really good (correct) answer out of me.

Answer 2

The weak dollar makes the US a more attractive destination for European tourists. The primary reason that they're staying away isn't economic, it's the MAJOR hassles that they get from Immigration when they arrive here.

I travel extensively and the lines for tourists trying to enter the country are AGONIZINGLY slow. It can take several HOURS for a Brit or a German to clear Immigration. Yet when I fly over to Europe on business, I actually clear their Immigration FASTER than the locals do!

European Immigration authorities make you feel welcome. US Immigration authorities make you feel like a CRIMINAL. They even do it to me on occasion! No wonder they're staying away in droves -- we're making them feel decidedly UNWELCOME.

Lastly, the European press has made a BIG deal out of the fact that non-US citizens can now be detained indefinitely without charge, representation, or even a phone call home under the co-called Patriot Act on the flimsiest of accusations and without judicial review. THAT more than anything is the reason that folks are avoiding the US like the plague -- we're no better than Iran, North Korea, or Afghanistan in that respect!

Answer 3

To: Mr Perfect (laugh)

Huh?...the dollar is at its' lowest value in recent memory meaning that for the rest of the world especially Europeans traveling to the States has never been more affordable, the least expensive it has been, relatively speaking, of course. However, number of tourists visiting has drastically declined with over 194,000 jobs lost primarily in the travel industry in the States alone in the last five years as well as 5 million tourists who went elsewhere. I don't blame them. I wouldn't travel to 'democracy is all but dead land' either knowing that 1/3 of the population is on some form of anti-depressants or that there is a bumbling commander-in-thief that likes to kill everything is his way. Sounds depressing...glad I moved to Costa Rica right before Bushit' was re-appointed, ah, I mean elected (sure) And yes, the door hitting me squarely in the *** felt great!!...thanks for asking!!!

Peace, that is, if you are open-minded and kind...

Answer 4

This is part of the answer to your question from your own article you sourced.

"In the same period, cross-border travel around the world was up 20 percent."

People are staying closer to home. Its a trend here in the US as well. Travel is expensive. And oh yeah... those terrorist guys... they have people a little on edge as well.

Are you going to try and blame Bush for "slowed" air travel right after 9/11 as well? It's a cycle... costs are a little high right now for MANY factors.

Pretty weak attempt at blaming this on Bush as well..... what will you blame him for next?

I eagerly await!

Answer 5

Actually - it's not "since Bush took office", it's since 9/11.
If you hadn't heard, measures have been taken since that date to make it more difficult for terrorists to get into the US. One consequence of all this stepped-up security is that traveling to the US has become more of a hassle - visas, customs, etc.
Did you even read the article you've cited? Try it - you might learn something.

Answer 6

The article states why, "The hours of trying to pass through customs." and the increased cost and hassle of getting a tourist visa.

"Try reading, left to right, top to bottom, group words into sentences." - David Spade, Tommy Boy.

Answer 7

Don't forget the scientists who used to flock here so they could work in the best facilities in the world - and we reaped the benefits. No more.

Answer 8

Well since everything is Bush's fault it must be global warming that is keeping them away

Answer 9

Terrorist activities have increased security.

Answer 10

Two words. Enemy Combatant.