Welcome To America; Now Go Away

I saw this in an Associated Press story that appeared in the Inquirer yesterday; it turns out that the United States has lost billions in tourism since 9/11, which is a big deal of course.

The AP story noted the following…

Fewer international visitors have been coming to the United States (since 9/11), despite an initiative announced a year ago by top government officials.

In 2000, this country was the destination for 7.5 percent of all international travelers. After the 2001 attacks, tourism plummeted. Four years later, only 6 percent of international visits were to this country, the Commerce Department said.

That’s a shocking number.

Reasons cited for the decline include delays in getting visas, long lines at airports, and failure to promote the United States abroad.

Lawmakers and travel executives are working on ways to boost international tourism, which contributes $1.3 trillion and 7.3 million jobs to the U.S. economy, according to the Travel Industry Association.

“It’s a significant part of the economy, and we’re losing our share,” said Sen. Byron L. Dorgan (D., N.D.), chairman of a Senate panel investigating the issue.

Travel executives are asking, among other things, for more airport and consular staff, a visa system that uses new technology, and a campaign to promote the United States as a welcoming place to visit.

To do my part, I submitted the following promotional slogans to the Commerce Department that they could use if they wanted to promote this country…

“Come To America And Be Adopted By A Celebrity.”

“The World’s Finest Health Care Can Be Yours If You’re A Thoroughbred Racehorse.”

“For Illegal Immigrants, Headsets Optional In Plane Wheel Well Seating.”

“It Is Highly Unlikely That You’ll Be Captured And Sent Overseas For Extraordinary Rendition.”

“We’re Still Working On The Fence Between Us And Mexico, But The Deadly Invisible Force Field Between Us And Canada Is Only A Rumor.”

I can’t understand why I haven’t heard back from anyone.