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
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