Stories and Lifestyle: Obama effect draws more tourists into the US

 

Several German travel agencies expect a so-called “Obama effect,” which will make the US a popular tourist destination again. Barack Obama’s victory in the presidential election is “worth a lot more for the tourism sector than any million-Euros advertising campaign,” says Tilo Krause-Dünow, head of Canusa, a travel agency specializing in North America. Stefanie Berk, long-distance travel director at Neckermann, also believes that more trips to the US will be booked due to the “Obamania.” A spokeswoman of Dertour, the German market leader for US trips, gave a similar statement. The record numbers for US tourism from the late 90s seem to be within reach for the German travel sector again.

The number of tourists travelling from Germany to the US already rose significantly again this year. During the first half of the year, according to the Visit USA Committee (VUSA), they reached 834,000, which is a 21,2 percent increase compared to the same time last year.

If you are one of those who do not want to cancel their trips despite the financial crisis, you will find helpful advice for a trip to the US in this section.

The United States are a paradise for skiers. There are hundreds of ski slopes in the Rocky Mountains. The Vail Resorts with the four towns of Orten Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone are an absolute must of every one who loves winter sports. Seemingly endless, almost deserted hillsides and the legendary champagne powder offer an unequalled skiing experience until late into the months of spring. During the month of March alone, approximately 160 centimeters (63 inches) of snow are falling in the Vail Resorts, more than during any other month before. And April after that adds another meter (40 inches). The best time for skiing through the perfect champagne powder. Skiing and snowboarding there is absolutely effortless – and always under a clear blue sky. Find more information about skiing in the US here.

Of course, the US are worth visiting for many other reasons as well. Something completely different would be the carnival in the South, especially the Mardi Gras (French: fat Tuesday) is worth a visit. It is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is also the highlight of the entire several-day long carnival, in cities like New Orleans, Louisiana and Mobile, Alabama. The end of it are the parades on Mardi Gras. Especially in New Orleans, this day is celebrated with great splendor and vitality, the city displays its divers tradition and history and welcomes everyone to celebrate with them. Read more here.

More inspiration for a trip to the US can be found here.