President Obama Eases Visa Rules to Boost U.S. Tourism

U.S. President Obama issued an executive order Thursday calling for a reduction in the time it takes for travelers from China and Brazil to get visas to come see the USA.

He also ordered the elimination of tourist visas altogether for visitors from Taiwan as part of a plan to boost the number of foreign tourists and the U.S. tourism industry as a way to create more jobs.

Obama, who was unveiling his plan at a visit to Walt Disney World in Florida, also told the secretaries of Commerce and Interior to develop a national tourism strategy that highlights national parks, and cultural and historic sites. He said eco-tourism and outdoor recreation already are important in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.

"We need to help businesses all across the country grow and create jobs; compete and win," Obama said. "That’s how we’re going to rebuild an economy where hard work pays off, where responsibility is rewarded, and where anyone can make it if they try."

The president’s visit to one of the nation’s biggest tourist attractions comes as Republican presidential candidates prepare to blanket Florida ahead of the state’s Jan. 31 primary.

The president’s steps aimed at increasing the number of foreign travelers have been sought for several years by the nation’s tourism and business sectors. They’ve argued that tight U.S. travel restrictions are costing the nation foreign tourist dollars and the industry jobs.