Will Obama Election Change Travel Habits?

godking
04 December 2008 12:33am

Since Barack Obama’s historic win on Nov. 4, the expectations already swirling around the president-elect are epic. But could the new administration also boost U.S. tourism to Europe?

Analysts are already predicting that inbound international tourism, especially to Obama-specific destinations such as Chicago, Washington and Hawaii, could see an increase.

But judging from the reaction overseas on election night, the reverse may also be true, as strained relations with European “frenemies” begin to thaw.

U.S. travelers, perhaps reluctant to travel to France, the U.K. or Germany during the last few years for fear they wouldn’t be warmly welcomed, may now be eager to cross the pond and bask in our new international popularity.

Of course, the economy may dampen that enthusiasm, but for now, at least during this political honeymoon period, we can add a robust European travel season to our wish list.

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