Weak dollar fails to entice travellers to US

NEW YORK – The US is losing out on tourism and its share of global arrivals has dropped a percentage point despite the weak dollar, according to the UN World Tourism Organisation.

The UNWTO says that in 2000 the US had a 7% share of the 682 million international arrivals globally but as arrivals rose to 846 million in 2006, the US saw approximately the same number of tourists arriving through its ports, meaning a drop in share to 6%.

Industry experts echo what most travellers heading Stateside have been moaning about for some time – that the poor welcome at Customs, the heavy security measures and lower fares to other destinations are to blame.

The US Commerce department adds that big earners in the past like Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami, Chicago, Boston and San Francisco saw 20-34% fewer visitors in 2006 compared to 2000.

Of the country’s 10 most popular cities, only New York saw more visitors in 2006 than 2000 with a 9% increase.

By Dinah Hatch