Travel: Subsidy for Visitors

In its efforts to ease the U.S. balance of payments problem, the Johnson Administration proposed legislation several weeks ago that would make it more difficult for U.S. citizens to travel outside the Western Hemisphere. Now, in the same cause, the Administration is proposing to make it easier for foreign travelers to come to the U.S.

A 21-member, Johnson-appointed task force, headed by Robert M. McKinney, publisher of the Santa Fe New Mexican and former U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland, last week issued a report that recommended, among other things, what amounts to a private-enterprise subsidy of touring foreigners. Items:

> Domestic air fares would be slashed by 50% for foreigners spending between 14 and 40 days in the U.S. The reduced fares, expected to be approved by the Civil Aeronautics Board, would take effect April 28. Qualifications: tickets for adults must cost a minimum of $79, take the traveler to at least three U.S. cities other than the city of arrival and departure.

> Round-trip airline fares to the U.S. from Europe and possibly the Middle East would be cut by 25%. Prime movers behind such reductions include both U.S. transatlantic carriers, Trans World Airlines and Pan American World Airways. Though details still have to be worked out by the International Air Transport Association and approved by foreign airlines and governments, the lower fares could be implemented as early as mid-April.

> Railroad, bus and steamship rates probably will be reduced by varying amounts. U.S. passenger railroads, which already offer 15% reductions to foreigners, plan to increase that to 25% on April 29. The nation’s intercity bus companies expect to introduce a 10% discount on long-distance charter-coach rates for foreign groups. As for steamship fares, reductions are due to be considered this month by 15 lines.

> Hotel, car-rental and other service costs for foreign visitors are being lowered by a number of concerns. Seven hotel and motel chains—including Hilton, Knott and Hotel Corp. of America—have already introduced assorted room rate cuts of up to 40%. Also in effect are new 10% reductions in the rates of the three biggest auto rental companies, Hertz, Avis and National.

McKinney’s panel also called for an elimination of those immigration and customs laws that “bespeak an unfriendly attitude based upon feelings of suspicion.” Besides a general easing of visa requirements, it recommended that U.S. customs agents allow foreign visitors to make oral declarations without, in most cases, having their baggage inspected.

Americans, of course, will continue to pay regular prices for most travel in the U.S.—and unless the nation’s hoary customs procedures are changed completely, still have their luggage opened when they return from abroad. That will no doubt lead to many a complaint that the U.S. traveler is being discriminated against in his own land.