US government must be more welcoming to foreign tourists

Probably close to 25% of our business comes from guests who do not live in the US. They are mainly Canadians, Brits, and Australians. Although we do get other Europeans, Africans, Asians, etc.

Canadians say US immigration is pretty good especially since they clear it in Canada. However, all other guests always complain about US immigration, and how they are the most unwelcoming people and how hard it is to travel to the US.

Europeans always say if it wasn't for vacationing at our resort, The Terra Cotta Inn clothing optional resort and spa, they would never come back for a vacation in the US again.

This is really sad and it translates into keeping away overseas visitors.

Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the US. It helps the US balance of trade as tourists spend money in the US. Yet, the federal government makes it so hard for tourists to vacation in America.

A new survey shows interest is up in the US, but travel is not. Here it is:
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"New Survey: Interest in America Grows, Fails to Translate into More Visitors

Concerns about ‘Fortress America’ Keeping Overseas Arrivals Down

Travel Industry Calls for Public-Private Solutions to Spur Inbound Travel
New Survey: Interest in America Grows, Fails to Translate into More Visitors

Washington, DC – November 2009 – Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, issued the following statement Friday (November 6) on the Country Brand Index (CBI) released by FutureBrand, in conjunction with Weber Shandwick’s Global Travel & Lifestyle Practice. The index revealed that the United States is the world’s top country brand for the first time in the fifth annual CBI, rising from the third spot in 2008.

“Perceptions of the United States are on the rise - a tribute to President Obama and the people of this great country. But if interest in the United States is growing, then policymakers should ask themselves why it is not resulting in greater overseas travel to our country. According to the Department of Commerce, August was the 10th straight month in which international travel spending in the United States declined. And 2009 will be the eighth straight year in which overseas arrivals fell short of pre-9/11 visitors to our country.

“According to the Country Brand Index report, the United States ranks #1 in brand image but remains in the bottom half of countries for ‘ease of travel’ to and within the country.

... It’s time for an entry process that is the envy of the world in its use of technology and efficient screening. And it’s time to welcome people to our shores by passing the Travel Promotion Act and promoting America as a premier travel destination.

“Our industry can create jobs and strengthen America’s image in the world. The onus is on policymakers to work with this industry, tap into the global demand and welcome millions of new visitors to our great country.”

For the full survey Click here

It is sad, but foreign EVERY guest except for Canadians complain about how hard it is to vacation in the US. And our guests love our resort.

Our government has to wake up and stop destroying the foreign tourism market.

So no matter where in the world you are, you deserve a fun vacation.

We are the most mainstream nudist resort in the US and perfect for couples trying topless or nude sunbathing for the first time.

For more information about our resort, the Terra Cotta Inn clothing optional resort and spa, visit our site at http://sunnyfun.com

Or give us a call at 800-786-6938.

Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/nudist_resorts

We hope to see you soon in sunny Palm Springs!

German tourists arrested after being nude in Brazilian Airport

Here's a funny story:

"SAO PAULO — Two German tourists have been detained for taking their clothes off in the lobby of a Brazilian airport, authorities said Tuesday.
The two men allegedly changed their clothes in front of other passengers...

Police formally accused the tourists of obscenity and said they could face up to one year in prison if convicted....

Police inspector Maritta Souza said the 66-year-old man from Koenigsberg and his 64-year-old friend from Bad Bevensen said they thought it "was normal" to change clothes like that in Brazil, especially in a beach city like Salvador.

They said that they were late for their flight and needed to change into new clothes because one of them got wet during a boat trip and the other felt sick and vomited during the same trip earlier in the day.

A Brazilian passenger called police when he saw the tourists taking their clothes off in front of other people..."

For the full story click here


This reminds me of the time a few years ago when we had a guest named Udo from Germany who walked out the front door of our nudist resort nude, to get something out of his car.

Now we are in Palm Springs, where it is NOT legal to walk around nude outside. I ran outside to Udo with a towel and told him to wrap himself and said "you can't can't be nude outside." Udo informed me he is not walking around nude, he is just getting something out of his car. I said "get the towel on." Eventually he did. He was not happy with me. He said America has the strangest naturist resorts because we make people dress to get something out of their cars. And we have never seen them since.

A German commented on this story at the site, and said what's the big deal, they were just changing, they weren't nude.

That's how it is in Germany. I understand those Germans completely. They weren't nude. They were changing. It would have been no big deal at their home towns to change like that.

Now if you are looking for a nice relaxing resort, where you can go topless or nude sunbathing, give us a call at 800-786-6938. Visit our site at http://sunnyfun.com

Hope to see you in sunny Palm Springs!