US Entrance fee for foreign collectors

[WDC]

For those who haven't yet heard about it. The US government is planning to pass the Travel Promotion Act 2009. This means that every foreign visitor would then have to pay $10 entrance fee - to finance a newly formed private company that would advertise the United States as a tourist destination to foreigners. Ain't that ironic?

I remember clearly that the GDR did do the very same thing if one of us western citizens wanted to enter this area for non-transit reasons.

Here's a good coverage: http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/? ... YyOTc4OTU=

[Valecnik]

For those who haven't yet heard about it. The US government is planning to pass the Travel Promotion Act 2009. This means that every foreign visitor would then have to pay $10 entrance fee - to finance a newly formed private company that would advertise the United States as a tourist destination to foreigners. Ain't that ironic?

I remember clearly that the GDR did do the very same thing if one of us western citizens wanted to enter this area for non-transit reasons.

Here's a good coverage: http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/? ... YyOTc4OTU=

I'm sure that initiative will not bring one more international collector to the Union, Wayne, or Orlando phono shows. A more cordial reception at immigration might help though, (a problem not unique to US ports).

[Sidewinder]

It may be better for the US economy if they would GIVE each visitor $10 to spend. That would surely bring more visitors.

This circular "we will charge $10 per visitor as a contribution to advertising for more tourists" is not really logical!

[brianu]

this will never happen. there's probably a reason why the measure hasn't even received much media attention, if any.

[Sidewinder]

Well it will be before the US congress today or tomorrow! Sponsored by Democratic Rep. William Delahunt
In Europe the papers are full of reports on this, with most countries
considering a reciprocal fee for US citizens visiting Europe.

Here a report from Macedonia (for a change)
http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/8127/53/

btw its called the "Travel Promotion Act"

[SonnyPhono]

Yea, I read about this in my local newspaper and there was a story on the news covering the details.

[WDC]

The U.S. senate has passed the Travel Promotion Act overwhelmingly:

http://www.empirestatenews.net/News/20090910-5.html

Looks pretty much like I'll have $10 less to spend in the future. I just hope the EU will do the same thing.