American Tourists Deserting Europe

[Yentatelaventa]

Frankly, I think it's the dollar," said Tehmina Tannir, 39, of Santa Monica, Calif., watching the ceremonial changing of the guard outside Buckingham Palace. She said she cut back her normal clothing and shoe shopping by 40 percent.

But for the French, who watched the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq with horror and took the brunt of Washington's wrath for opposing the war, the causes go much deeper.

"We simply don't like each other anymore," said Jacques Milbert, a mustachioed Parisian taxi driver. "If the Americans want to stay at home and eat burgers, that's their problem, not ours."

Fury erupted in the United States earlier this year over France's refusal back the invasion of Iraq, in some cases sparking impromptu boycotts of French wine and cheese.

But if some French people claim not to miss the Americans themselves, many certainly miss their generally thick wallets.

"The absence of Americans and the Japanese is really being felt," said Andre Daguin, the head of France's largest hotel owners' union, the UMIH. "July was a write-off."

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/World/ap20030807_162.html

[CWebster]

1. In a heartbeat I'd be off to France

Bush destroyed not only our international standing but our ability to participate by increasing prohibitive money exchange rates. Hey, just because he isn't welcome anyplace other than Poland and Israel...


What is with the snail-like pace and connection problems of this site? Does it have a good future prognosis or is it unavoidably terminal? Damn.

[Lars39]

4. I'm on cable, and it's taking an average 3 minutes to get anywhere!

Not my 'puter, either; all the other sites are coming up fast. :shrug:

[Kellanved]

2. I suspect the Dollar

It is far more expensive for American tourists this year (some things, like hotels, got cheaper though).

However I had a strange experience on my way home yesterday : There were only Americans (except for me) in the subway waggon. A Canadian family, an American Family, two American Backpackers, a large group of English speaking people on their way to a party.
It was somehow funny; everyone suddenly realized, that all people around were talking in English and/or were reading English books, leading to a fast round of introductions.

[dArKeR]

36. What about the U.S. and world's economy down because of Bush policies?

And if the reporter doesn't want to appeart bias they could just say 'fear from falling economies' and not mention leaders names. But for ABC and CBS NOT to mention consumers fear of dropping economies and loss of their jobs IS OBVIOUS GOP BIAS REPORTING. RICO! Where are the American tourists going? Good solid reporting!


Don't you just love American Christians! Upset because a country choses NOT to Murder people she doesn't want to visit that country. American Christians are INSANE or are SATAN.
'Mandy Water, for one, visiting Geneva for a Christian gathering, thinks France's refusal to align itself with the United States over Iraq is reason enough to keep away.'

Hey Mandy, did you know it's 98% of the world's countries that didn't align with Bush?



(Same, no mention of economy)
Tourists Say 'Au Revoir' To Europe
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/08/07/world/main567122.shtml

And what about SARS? Plans to travel were being made in the peak of the SARS outbreak.

Very bias reporting not to mention this.

[e-mail], [e-mail]
http://www.abcnews.go.com/service/Help/abcmail_news.html

[e-mail], [e-mail]
http://www.cbsnews.com (Feedback - on bottom of page)


http://www.geocities.com/darkerxdarker

[Kellanved]

38. that's retarded (Mandy, not you)

Swiss wasn't participating as well - so why stay away from France but not from the Swiss?

Austria even blocked it's airspace and Belgium closed it's harbours for a few days for US vessels. Yet in almost all articles it's France/Germany/Russia, with France being the worst.


And of course: with a bad economic climate people want to save their money - what rules out a trip overseas.
However: the economic climate in Europe isn't better and lots of people are planning a vacation in the US due to the cheap Dollar.

[On the Road]

3. The Exchange Rate is Terrible Now

I took my daughter to Brussels in June with a side trip to Mont Saint Michel. It was a wonderful trip -- we stayed with relatives. But everything -- food, hotels, film -- was just astronomical.

Two years ago, we went to Barcelona (before conversion to the Euro) and the exchange rate was wonderful -- we could get great meals with all the trimmings for $40-50 US.

The fact that the article mentions Japanese as well as Americans tells me it's the exchange rate rather than the political situation that has caused the falloff.

[radwriter0555]

24. The dollar performance had a HUGE impact on us last month when

we were there. We cut our shopping WAY back due to the crappy exchange rate.

[kskiska]

5. Europeans are deserting America, too

I wonder what the tourism figures are these days. We don't hear much about that. Thanks, Mr. Bush.*

[primavera]

12. That's because we've made it so much harder to get in

It now practically takes an entire Wall Street law firm to get so much as a tourist visa to come here and those who do make it that far are constantly harassed by Homeland Defense people as long as they remain here. Who in their right mind is going to go to that much trouble to come here, only to be treated like a terrorist once you finally get here?

[lebkuchen]

14. Tourism in Germany is down around 50%. It's down in the US as well.

But by how much. Tourists stats in Florida would provide a helpful gauge. I'll bet Jebbie is sweating in more ways than one.

[Dirk39]

40. Oops...

Lebkuchen, what about this:
Hamburg tourism
???
Viele Grüße,
Dirk

[lebkuchen]

43. What is the ColorLine Arena, which is bringing overnight crowds?

Is that the ship that sails between North German ports and Scandanavia? I was on ColorLine last month, from Oslo to Kiel, and it was packed, but mostly with Europeans (Scandanavians and Germans). I don't recall seeing another American person on the ship. Typically, it is necessary to get a reservation during the summer, especially in late July to all of August and into Sept, when Germany, well, Europe, is on vacation. Many are headed north in search of cooler weather, but when I was in Bergen, the temps were 32C, so, no relief to be found there.

The most touted tourist area in Germany is the Romantic Road, between Wuerzburg and Fussen. Tourism there is down 50%. I know because I know a tourguide who meets the ships in one of the river towns and gives them wine tours. Also, Rothenburg, the most touristed town on the route, is no longer shoulder to shoulder tourist, even on the weekends. Cities like the Baroque Wuerzburg don't even provide English tours anymore, or rarely.

[lanlady]

44. this article implies that it's Germans themselves

--who are visiting Hamburg more:

Erstmals wird die Hansestadt sogar Berlin als beliebtestes Ziel der Deutschen bei organisierten Städtereisen ablösen.

[rocktivity]

6. I'm proud to be able to say that my sister is honeymooning in Canada

I think it's the dollar, too--between the exchange rate and the economy, who CAN afford to travel abroad for pleasure these days?

I haven't been to a foreign country since 1988 (unless Los Angeles counts). The highlight of that trip was eating in a McDonald's in London and realizing it had cost me the equivalent of 14 American dollars!

rocknation

[bikebloke]

7. Airfares are dear, too

I've been searching for reasonable airfares, just so I could get away from all the flag waving eejits. But so far, everything I've found is too expensive to justify. I have old mates to visit, so hotel prices aren't a concern. I'm hoping they'll drop with the Autumn temperatures.

[lebkuchen]

18. International flights are full, though.

Perhaps some of the airlines have reduced the number of flights and raised the price?

I had two friends visit Germany, and they had the time of their lives...dirt cheap quality food and wine where I live. They were surprised because friends had told them the euro would bite heavily into their budget. It didn't. Where I live, you can buy a viertel (.25 liter) of wine for 2.30 euro. In San Francisco it runs around $8.00 for .20 liter.

[Chico Man]

8. I just spent some time in Ireland

Boy do they hate Bush!!!

I did see a group of tourists from down south and I could certainly see how Europeans would paint the stereotypical american tourist as obnoxious. They are!

[Mari333]

9. I was in Ireland a few times

when Clinton was in...everyone was wonderful to us, and we were respectful, albeit, embarassed to say we were from the US anyway,.

NOW Im REALLY tooooooooooo embarassed to go there again, and until the MonkeyBoy is OUT of office, Ill stay here and be ashamed of what the US looks like overseas...

[chadm]

10. Don't be too embarrased to go...

just denounce our government every chance you get and you'll be fine. That's what I did this summer in Eastern Europe.

[primavera]

15. And wear your DU t-shirts!

We've got to make sure Europeans know that we aren't all goose-stepping, flag-waving sheeple over here! Travel and spread the word!

[BelgianMadCow]

33. good idea and necessary too

I was so glad to find this site and see not all americans are sheeple.

[Arkady]

16. "Don't be too embarrased to go..."

"just denounce our government every chance you get and you'll be fine. That's what I did this summer in Eastern Europe."

I wouldn't feel right doing that. It'd be like airing my family's dirty laundry to strangers.

But hell, I don't really like traveling, anyway, so it's not really an issue.

[SoCalDem]

28. Some laundry is too dirty to ever get clean

Like our old pal Trent Lott always says... you can support the troops without supporting the president..

and that was when we actually had a president who was elected.. not selected..

I would trash talk that bozo freak in the white house in a minute..he's not MY president..

Right now I see the US in a state of free-fall.. We have a little while longer and then hopefully we can right ourselves and try to clean up the shit that he has deposited all over the world..

[Maeve]

17. Someone had passport covers for sale that said

something like "I'm very sorry; I did not vote for him" in English, French and Arabic.

[Chico Man]

32. Now that is funny..

Thanks for the laugh!!

[amberdisc]

26. Good attitude

I'm probably the most outspoken critic of the Iraq invasion where I am in continental Europe (I'm British). Iraqis and others can undestand that not everybody in the Anglo-American Empire supports * and bliar.

[Chico Man]

31. Thats exactly what I did as well

Especially with the cab drivers. Europeans love americans that hate Bush!!

[inthecorneroverhere]

13. your little dig at the South

So, American tourists originating in the Northern states aren't obnoxious like Southerners are???

Well, the northerners I've seen sure talk LOUD sometimes...rarely speak the language...sure act ARROGANT sometimes.

Just checking....OK....

[Chico Man]

29. Ha - you noticed that? Lol

Umm, yeah, a southern accent and a troupe of white sneakers was the last thing I wanted to hear / see while enjoying my breakfast in Dublin. :)

On edit:

A full Irish breakfast. But I'll skip the black pudding. YUCK!

[twilight]

21. the Irish never like people like *

Hell, the fugger is related distantly to the Spencer family! Why the hell would the Irish like him? hahaaaa!!!!!

:kick: for Ireland! :D

[Chico Man]

30. I was told most Americans staying at a particular lodge I was at..

Went to bed right after dinner and complained there was no TV or CNN!!!

This was a local establishment out in the Wicklow Mountains called "glenmalure lodge". (OH - I Highly reccomend this place...)

There were many local farmers and sheep herders there with their families. I admit, it was fairly intimidating at first, but after a few pints we had a spectacular time!!!

Here's a link to Glenmalure lodge..

http://www.iccc.ie/Drumgoff/glenmalure_Lodge.htm

[Maeve]

22. Gee, so I'll fit right in next week, huh?

Tour groups don't tend to show off our best characteristics,however, no matter what part of the country they're from.

[twilight]

23. in Ireland during the Reagan years

Wow was that sick! There were tourists that were rich blond hair/blue eyed pukes staying at the place I was at and they said how much they loved Reagan. I said, "Oh really? I think he's an a$$hole myself!" After that, they Irish loved me! :D

However, Europeans know that not all Americans believed like Reagan thank God! And they know this about * too!

My father went the following year and I have an anti-Reagan thing they gave him while he was there (hahaaa). :D

:kick:

[jiacinto]

11. The dollar has lost value

nt

[lebkuchen]

19. That's a myth.

Try Bavaria. There is a wine/beer fest in every town in the summer...great, cheap food and cheap drink, plus lots of ooom pah pah and gemutlichkeit. Camping cuts down costs tremendously, and there's an interesting medieval village every 30 km.

[northzax]

25. er, no, it's not a myth

the dollar has declined by over 30% against the Euro since September, 2001. That means even that wine/beer fest costs 30% more. Even if the camping is 5 Euros/night it really costs $6/night. and a 10 Euro meal is $12. anf a 50 Euro train fare is $60. it all adds up.

And yes, I was in Spain this summer, in Andalusia, one of the cheapest places in Europe to travel, and I felt the decline in the dollar sharply. It really cut back on my spending and eating. I would have spent the same amount of dollars either way, but Spain got many fewer Euros from me.

[jiacinto]

37. Excahnge rates have hit the US dollar bad

A dollar buys less Euros than it did a few years ago.

[lebkuchen]

46. To both of you above...

from 1984 - 1987 the DM to dollar was around 3.3 DM per $1.00, the equivalent of approx. 1.6 euro, an excellent rate for Americans, but an atypical exchange rate overall. It was a time to buy a BMW and ship it overseas. In 2000-2001, the rate was around 2.3 DM per $1.00, still an excellent (high) exchange.

So what would be considered "normal?" Around 1.55 DM, or approximately .76 euro. Today we're at .877, which isn't too bad, especially given the relative low costs in Germany, particularly in non-touristed areas, like beautiful northern Bavaria (Franconia), where a mass (liter) of draft beer (vom fass) in the village hofbrau costs around 4 euro 50 cents, or, in a fest tent, 5 euro 60 cents. A glass of wine (.25 of a liter) is typically 2 euro for an excellent wine. In a city like San Francisco, it would be four times that cost for a lesser amount.

A fresh pheasant dinner (or deer, or wild boar, or duck, or goose)w/all the trimmings plus a half liter of excellent wine would cost under 20 euro. What would it cost in the U.S., if you could find it?

Bottom line, my friends, come to Germany! It's an excellent value for your dollar. Also, there are fewer tourists to deal with, so bargaining for pensions would not be an impossible task.

[Tracer]

20. One of my happier memories...

I had been living in France for almost a year and had gotten pretty Frenchified (not Frenchifried!).

Was traveling on Air France from Madrid to Rome and was stuck in the line to board the plane behind a group of American tourists.

This group was particularly loud, and were wearing huge sombreros!!!, sneakers and shorts.

We entered the plane and I stopped to ask (in English) the location of my seat. The steward took one look at me and described the seat location (in French)!

Yes. I'm a snob. And I don't mind saying so.

[damnraddem]

27. Are they deserting ...

or just AWOL?

[Kathy in Cambridge]

34. Cape Cod vacancies around 40%

the economy has hurt tourism in general-people do not have money to spend and many are afraid of taking vacation because they may lose their job.

I miss when I was getting 7 francs to the dollar in the '90s. France used to be a cheap vacation (especially with the airfares from Boston-around $300).

[lebkuchen]

47. European tourism to the US is down as well

despite the exchange rate. Any stats on how Jebbie's state is faring as the result of his brother's ineptitude?

[DeathvadeR]

35. No one is going to be able to afford to go there soon.....

Once the economy goes bust our dollars will make pesos look good.

[Dirk39]

39. I just heard something completely different...

I'm living in Hamburg (about 2 million inhabitants), Germany, and we have more tourists than ever in our history this year! Even more than Berlin. More than 500.000 night-stayings in hotels in one month. But the article I've read doesn't mention, from which countries the people are.
Dirk

[lanlady]

45. Say Dirk, see my post above

Sounds to me like it's your fellow Deutschen who are visiting Hamburg in greater numbers.

[Heddi]

41. HOw much of this has to do with

not so much Americans not wanting to go to Europe b/c of the whole "they didn't support us" bullshit re: Iraq, but that a large number of American's benefits have been cut, including vacation.

A large number of Americans are out of work, or underemployed, or working 2 jobs to replace the one that they lost 2 years ago.

People are cutting back--home foreclosures are high, new home sales are low, car repossessions are high, refinancing is high, and consumer spending is down---not just for vacations, but ALLLLLLL things luxury-related.

People I know that took month-long cruises or month-long tours of Europe every year are now having to scale back and take "domestic" vacations, if they can take any vacations at all.....

[midnight armadillo]

42. Weather?

Europe IS having a great big heat wave...could the weather be a factor in people staying home?

[ErasureAcer]

48. I travelled Europe for a month this may-june...and the dollar really is...

WEAK.

I was in Ireland the prior may(2002) and I was receiving a 110-115 euros back for every 100 US dollars.

This may I was ranging between 75-85 euros per 100 US dollars. It really was that bad.

The dollar has taken a turn for the worse.