Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
well-being of another sector. Con
icts between tourism and other sectors most commonly arise when
there is competition for a shared resource base (e.g., the extractive industries), where there is a common
need for speci
c individuals or types of individuals (e.g., entertainment, technology, education), or where
there may exist a divergence of philosophical views (e.g., the environment, transportation sectors).
Each of these interfaces can pose either a threat or an opportunity for tourism. The environmental
sector and the extractive industries have traditionally viewed tourism as a competing force; the
technology, entertainment, and transportation sectors most often perceive tourism as an ally or
business opportunity.
In order to discuss and to present its case effectively at each interface, the tourism sector must be
as capable, as well trained, and as well prepared as the professionals of any speci
csectoratany
E
GLOBAL INSIGHT
E
Policy Impacts
nationals from their soil. In addition to the use of passports to
control entry and exit, visas provide the host country with a
greater degree of detailed information about the individual
seeking to enter the country.
The Role of Passports and Visas
as Policy Instruments in International Travel
T
The United States serves as an excellent example of how
Over time, however, many countries started to view visas as a
means to raise foreign funds. Although this distorts the true
purpose of the visa, countries requiring them steadily became
more dependent on the income they provided. The requirement
for visas has declined in most countries wishing to facilitate
international travel.
government policy impacts tourism. Since September 11,
2001, the United States has experienced a decline in overseas
travel. As the global travel market continues its expansion, the
U.S. share is shrinking. The U.S. Travel Association reports the
consequences are profound. Overseas travel to the United States
has fallen 9 percent from 2000 to 2009 despite the weak dollar
that made the United States a travel bargain. The failure of the
United States over the last decade to keep pace with the growth
in international long-haul travel worldwide has cost the U.S.
economy 68.3 million lost visitors, $509 billion in lost spending,
and 441,000 in lost jobs.
1
Following is a list of the cost of visas for a few selected
countries. The costs are the 2010 prices (in U.S. dollars) for
visas for a single-visit tourist visa (for persons holding a
valid passport).
Brazil
$ 140
There are a variety of reasons why overseas travelers are
choosing not to visit the United States in past numbers. However,
one factor stands out: the perception that foreign travelers are no
longer welcome because of the lengthy visa process and the
often-confusing and claustrophobic entry process. Some visitors
say that the United States has the world's worst entry process.
China
$ 130
India
$ 73
Russia
$ 160
Thailand
$ 35
Vietnam
$ 100
Visitors who are required to obtain a visa to travel to the United
States must go through a personal interview at the visa-issuing
post, which has taken as long as three months and required a long
trip to an embassy. The process includes enrolling in US-VISIT,
having two index fingers scanned by an inkless device, and having
a digital photograph taken. The process is repeated when the
person enters the country to make sure it is the same person who
was issued the visa. The U.S. Travel Association is working with
the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security to
achieve more friendly entry policy while maintaining security.
United States
$ 140
In addition to visa charges, a number of countries have imposed
entrance or exit fees. These costs, while typically small, are an
impediment to travel.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.
What is the purpose of passports and visas?
2.
How can government policies on passports and visas
encourage travel? Discourage travel?
Passports and visas were initially developed as a means by which
countries could better control the entry and exit of foreign
Search WWH ::
Custom Search