When obama is president, be prepared for a big bump in tourism.

[george_maniakes]

As low as the american dollar is now, i just cant bring myself to visit the states. But come jan 2009, oh yeah, once again it will feel good to support america and americans.

[whistle]

1. That would be good, what if it's Hillary who becomes Madam President?

..Can we still count on the bump?

As for McCain well then I know it will be a THUD!

[ClayZ]

2. Yay!

K and R

[Tikki]

3. And our economy needs tourism...

I don't know about every place ...but my State, California, does need tourist dollars.

...and if you came to visit now...you would find most people have
negative feelings about how Bush has screwed up things here. Come visit in
January...we will all celebrate together.


Tikki

[cbayer]

4. There has already been a notable increase.

Although there may be a few that do not come here for political reasons, many more tourists are coming because of the state of the dollar. On the other hand, fewer Americans are traveling outside of the country due to the weak dollar.

[nichomachus]

5. The tourist boom isn't what you might think

I live in an area where there are a lot of foreign tourists. Granted there are some who come with empty suitcases so they can fill them up, but what I hear more is that it is such an unpleasant business dealing with the customs and immigration that they'd just as soon go somewhere else. Even people from Canada are being hassled -- and we have a lot of Canadian snowbirds.

Two older Canadian women I know come here every year. This year, they said that driving across the border, the US guard was confrontational and rude, telling them they just stay home where they belong. One of the women said she was sure he was trying to provoke them into responding so he could refuse them entry.

When I go to Mexico I park on the US side and walk across. Usually the return trip is quick and pleasant. The guards just kind of wave you through -- I mean, I'm obviously not a terrorist or an illegal immigrant. I can't run fast enough to be either. But, lately a few of the young turk guards have decided to be assholes and hassle you over the slightest thing.

[cbayer]

7. That's a really good point.

I have heard similar stories and have quite a few foreign born friends who travel in and out of the country frequently. It has definitely become more difficult. These same friends work in the travel industry and have shared some of the recent stats with me. That's how I drew my conclusion about trends.

We have noticed a rather dramatic increase in coast guard boardings of boats in SoCal as well.

I don't think the customs and immigration nightmares are going to change anytime soon, no matter who is elected.

[Fovea]

6. I predict American cycle races will draw a crowd.

Tour of California, Georgia, and the new Tour of Missouri are great races, and will see a boost from nations with universal healthcare and a month and more of paid vacation a year.

[LeftishBrit]

8. I'd be more likely to visit you with a Dem president too, whether it's Clinton or Obama!

Not nearly so readily if it's McIdiot.

[mpendragon]

9. A buddy of mine from Indian . . .

is in DC this weekend. I was telling him about some of the sites to see while he's in town and he refuses to go near the White House. He is completely disgusted with the president.