Good Reads: WTTC Documents Drop in International Visitors to U.S. | South Carolina's 250 License Plates | WNC to Receive More than $100 in FEMA Aid |
As we wait for Congress to complete work on the FY26 appropriations bills, I am sending along some interesting tourism news.
Reuters: Fewer foreigners visited US in 2025 as global tourism spending rose. Key takeaways: According to the World Travel & Tourism Organization, the U.S. saw a 7% drop in spending by international visitors as global tourism experienced a 6.7% increase in visitor spending. The U.S. decline was offset by domestic visitor spending.
South Carolina’s 250 license plates are generating lots of discussion, as The Washington Post reports in South Carolina says the Revolutionary War was won there. But was it? Note: This is a fun and worthwhile read.
The Travel reports that Amtrak is developing the “Amtrak Spartan” a new route to connect Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina in Amtrak Passengers Are Desperate for This New Route to Be A Reality.
Today, WCNC reported Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced $100M+ in FEMA funding, investments to Western North Carolina over a year after Helene.
Documenting the ongoing challenges of receiving disaster recovery assistance from FEMA, Baptist News Global reports a Kentucky Church forgoes FEMA aid because of demands made.