Normally, this blog is about getting out of town. But as the dollar weakens and the economy remains top of mind in this election year, I’d like to shift the focus for a moment on getting people in town.

A message promoting The Travel Industry Association's Discover America Partnership just popped in my inbox with the headline Foreign Press Continues to Bash U.S. Travel Experience While America Remains Silent.

A few of the unfavorable headlines include:

Coming to America Isn't Easy
US visa requirements and airport entry procedures have become the stuff of legend. (The Sydney Morning Herald, Feb. 28)

Business Travel to USA Is Unpopular
Conferences are moving to other countries with simpler entry conditions where travelers are not made to feel like potential terrorists. (German Financial Times, Feb. 19)

Fortress America
Why hassle yourself to go to America, when the Caribbean is there, the Maldives, all of these other markets? (The Irish Independent, Feb. 16)

America - More Hassle Than it's Worth?
Brits visiting America down 11% since 9/11, despite the weak dollar. (The Guardian (UK), Feb. 12)

Travel to America? No Thanks
It's already a nightmare, but now they want to make entry into the USA tougher. So let's not go. (The Sunday Times of London, Jan. 20)

Photo Courtesy of Mike Wroblewski.

It makes me a little sad that our foreign friends think that coming here is “more hassle than it’s worth.” I’ve been lucky enough to explore many parts of the globe, but some of my favorite travel experiences are from right here in the U.S., which is why I’m thrilled that TIA launched the Discover America Partnership.

Recognizing that public diplomacy is not the sole responsibility of the government, TIA is taking a proactive approach to strengthen America’s image around the globe, and, hopefully, get foreign visitors to explore the U.S. to see that, yes, it really is worth it.

Tell me: What are your favorite U.S. travel experiences?