The American tourism industry pioneers and U.S government is in deliberate considerations that how to balance security and hospitality and change perceptions about America. Industry is building pressure on the federal government to form a new tourism policy.
Last week, travel industry executives asked Congress that government must stop treating tourists like terrorists and should team up with industry to ease travel for foreign tourists and to support tourism campaign abroad.
It is worth mentioning that with a sharp decline, that is measured 17%, American tourism has lost $90 billion since 2001.
Leaders emphasized the need for a 21st Century visa system and modernization of ports of entry, including airports, where international travelers should be processed within 30 minutes.
A report published in thetransnational, states:
The issues, economic consequences and $300 million worth of solutions were contained in a “Blueprint to Discover America” presented to a Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation committee hearing on promoting travel to America.
Figures show that Japan- third largest source of travelers to America after Canada and Mexico — sent 5.1 million travelers to the country in 2000, but only 3.9 million in 2005. Germany sent 1.8 million in 2000, and only 1.4 million in 2005. Economy observers anticipate that if the trend goes for the next few years than could possibly cause a great damage to the U.S. economy.
However, the government has eased business and student visas procedure last year, but other visitors face continued delays in getting clearance to enter the United States.
Joanna Gonzalez, a spokeswoman for the Homeland Security Department, said:
The agency has worked hard over the past year to improve border security and international traveler convenience.
The homeland security Department officials say the department would soon launch a trouble-free process for travelers in order to address any security related concerns that often face by travelers during their trip.
