South CarolinaPing
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Please welcome our newest South Carolina ping list member, palmettomom .
Posted on 07/05/2009 9:48:09 PM PDT by rabscuttle385
Grand Strand marketers turn eyes toward Europe.
BY MIKE CHERNEY
MYRTLE BEACH — When it comes to attracting foreign visitors to the Grand Strand, some local tourism leaders are looking to Congress for help.
The Travel Promotion Act of 2009, which has been introduced in the House and Senate, would create a nonprofit corporation to advertise the U.S. as a travel destination in foreign countries. The campaign would be funded by industry contributions and a $10 fee on foreign travelers who do not have to pay for a visa.
The travel industry, including the U.S. Travel Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association, have been lobbying heavily for the bill. One estimate says the bill would attract 1.6 million new foreign visitors a year, create $4 billion in spending and drive $321 million in new federal tax revenue. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill could reduce the budget deficit by $425 million.
. . . . .
Jena Baker McNeill, a policy analyst for homeland security at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, said adding another layer of government bureaucracy is not the best way to attract more travelers to the U.S.
Marketing should be left to the private sector, and the government should ease visa requirements and make it easier to travel to the U.S., she said.
. . . . .
Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., who could not be reached for comment, has opposed the bill in the past. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has spoken in favor of the bill.
(Excerpt) Read more at postandcourier.com ...
ping!
I was just telling the wife the other day, “Honey, this country really needs a Tourist Czar.” LOL!
But will this apply to all of "God's children" too?
Only those who like us should come and they already know where we are.
we could set up theme parks for various regions of the country. Texas, Delta Country, Mussel Shoals.
The Big Apple complete with gangstas, downtown Philly complete with street urchins asking for quarters, all
well policed and safe.
South Carolina Please welcome our newest South Carolina ping list member, palmettomom .
Another sterling idea from the Pandsey.
Lindsey Ping
"Republican by day, Democrat by night."
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