• The $120 billion that tourists spent in 2010 represented 8% of the United States’ exports
• Between 2000 and 2009 tourism dropped 39%
• The stringent tourist visa requirements that leave no room for exceptions – even for children – have been discouraging individuals from visiting the United States
• The travel promotion act of 2009 created a Federal Agency that is dedicated to promoting tourism

To see more hard numbers, and to find out some of the steps that the government is taking to increase tourism while continuing to maintain security click here.

Source: Slate