NYC is top destination for foreign tourists

NYC is top destination for foreign tourists

WASHINGTON — New York got a record-setting 7.6 million foreign visitors last year, making it the U.S. city most visited by travelers from overseas, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.

Following New York on the list of top U.S. destinations for foreigners were Los Angeles (2.7 million); Miami (2.3 million); San Francisco (2.3 million); Orlando (2.1 million); Las Vegas (1.7 million); Honolulu (1.6 million); and Washington (1.2 million), the Commerce Department said.

Miami jumped two spots in becoming the third most-visited destination, showing a 19 percent increase from 2007.

Las Vegas and Honolulu traded positions as Honolulu registered a decline, mainly due to a drop in Japanese travel to the U.S.

More than 75 percent of Honolulu’s visitors are from Japan.

Among states, New York State was first, followed by California with 5.2 million foreign visitors, and Florida, with 4.7 million foreign visitors.

Miami cab drivers to add fuel surcharge

MIAMI — South Florida taxicab drivers have the green light to add a surcharge to make up for rising fuel prices.

Miami-Dade County commissioners unanimously approved a measure allowing cab drivers to begin assessing the surcharges as a way to offset the rising price of fuel, according to the Miami Herald.

If the price of gas averages $3.50 per gallon, riders will pay an additional $1 on top of the meter fee.

If gas prices are at $4, the surcharge will add $1.50 to the cab fare.

An extra $3 will be added if gas prices stretch to $5.50.

The fee was scheduled to take effect beginning June 13.

A notice will be displayed on cab windows.

Carnival to once again sail from Baltimore

BALTIMORE — Carnival Cruise Lines plans to begin weekly sailings from Baltimore in September 2009.

Carnival announced that the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride will offer seven-day trips to destinations such as the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas and Florida, through August 2011.

State ports officials say the addition will boost the number of cruises departing Baltimore from 38 in 2009 to 80 in 2010.

Carnival ran cruises from Baltimore in 2004 and 2005, but moved the ship to meet demand elsewhere.

The company says it added to its fleet and will be able to return to Baltimore.

Baltimore will be the northernmost port where Carnival, the world’s largest cruise line, offers year-round cruises.

Carnival expects to serve 115,000 passengers each year through Baltimore.

Ecologically correct toilet installed in park

ASHFORD, Wash. — Mount Rainier National Park is celebrating the installation of a $70,000 ecologically correct toilet at Cougar Rock Campground.

The toilet was donated by Groundwork Mishima, a group that promotes volunteerism at Mount Fuji, which has a “sister mountain” relationship with the park.

The toilet was installed with the help of students from the Japanese Volunteers-in-Parks Association.

The toilet uses cedar chips and natural composting to operate with little water or odor.

Associated Press