US government finally going after international visitors
In a first, the US government is spending millions to attract foreign visitors.
The government this year is spending $6 million on an ad campaign to the United Kingdom, the US’s No. 1 overseas tourist market.
Next year, the government plans to spend $10 million in the UK and Japan, its No. 2 overseas tourist market.
The move comes as foreign tourism to the US still has not rebounded to pre 9-11 levels.
The campaign involves print, TV and billboards. Major movies such as “Thelma and Louise” will be among the featured attractions.
One ad for that movie which featured the pair at the Grand Canyon says:
“You’ve seen the film, now visit the set.”
International arrivals to the US last year were 12% less than five years ago.
Tourism officials blamed the downturn on recent hurricanes and the country’s image that has been battered by the war in Iraq.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025