New $10 Cover Charge To Enter The Us

[Carmine6]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/03/04/trave...ion.act/?hpt=T2

March 4, 2010 1:37 p.m. EST

"(CNN) -- President Obama signed legislation into law Thursday to create the United States' first national travel promotion program.

"By signing the Travel Promotion Act, President Obama has acted to support the power of travel to serve as an economic stimulant, job generator and diplomatic tool," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

The act will create a nonprofit Corporation for Travel Promotion that will promote the United States as a travel destination and explain travel and security policies to international visitors.

The bill received final passage in the Senate last week.

A $10 fee charged to visitors from countries included in the Visa Waiver Program will partially fund the public-private organization. These visitors will pay the fee every two years when they register online using the Department of Homeland Security's Electronic System for Travel Authorization...."

I agree with this guy:

Some opponents of the legislation said that charging overseas visitors a fee to promote the United States will deter them from visiting.

"We don't want foreigners to have to jump through so many hoops that they just give up and don't bother coming to the U.S.," Steven Lott, a spokesman for the International Air Transport Association, told CNN before final passage of the bill. The IATA represents airlines around the world.

Lott said improving entry and exit procedures would help U.S. tourism more than a promotional organization.