Archive for the ‘news’ Category

This summer, if you want a little adventure, then Europe would be a better option than the Middle East.

Yes, the Western Europe, which has been quite predictable at all times, is now in the middle of a serious political and economical crisis, never before seen in these parts. The Western Europe has been the dream destination for many American tourists throughout these years. As word spreads on about road blockages, lockouts, strikes and ever fluctuating currency rates, these Americans are wondering whether it’s safe anymore.

Bruce Mclndoe, the president of the iJET Intelligent Risk Systems, a security consultation company said that the situation has never been like this. He said that the issue of a more stable financial system and a stronger and better goverment would create a more tense situation throughout Europe in the next few weeks. Infact, since last week the scene of action has been Greece, with frequent & violent clashes between the protesters and the police.

Most of the American tourists are worried about two main issues, i.e, money & safety. (2 things to worry about. Isn’t it?)

While the value of Euro has fallen below Dollar making travel (for U.S tourists) really cheaper, experts predict that as soon as the situation stabilizes, the value of Euro may rise over Dollar making it all the more expensive, which could be a serious trouble.

The various security agencies have warned visitors to avoid some West European countries like Spain, Greece, Ireland and Portugal this summer as economic weakness and high unemployment would make these countries potential hotspots this summer.

Washington – The United States Travel Association has taken a decision to change the existing visa schemes of the nation so as to attract more tourists, particularly from developing economies like India, Brazil and China. A report by the organization showed that the “antiquated” visa schemes of the States quite often drives away tourists to other countries.

The figures released by USTA has showed that although tourism is the biggest industry export sector in the United States, the country has failed to keep up with other parts of the world, like Western Europe, as a major tourist destination in the last decade. In the last decade, i.e., from 2000 to 2010, developing nations like India, Brazil or China, global long-haul travel has grown by 140 percent and is estimated to double by the next decade. But the USA said that only a small part of that tourism and the revenue of billions of dollars that was created, went to them.

According to the research conducted by the United States Travel Association (USTA), if the existing system is upgraded then it could help create 1.3 million new employments across the country and earn more than $859 billion for the country’s economy.

The plan by the USTA focuses on increasing staffing, reducing waiting times for visa interviews and expanding the Visa Waiver Programme.

“The United States imposes unnecessary barriers on international visitors, and that inhibits our economic growth.