US set to attract more visitors

The US could become an increasingly popular holiday destination if industry forecasts are proved accurate.

According to the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), the country is currently the focus of a burgeoning feel-good factor.

The organisation said this is partly because of the imminent departure of President George Bush, about whom there is a lot of "negative feeling".

Frances Tuke, spokesperson for Abta, stated that president-elect Barack Obama is far more popular and is helping to make the whole country look more attractive.

"People will be quite keen to have a look into the new landscape," she commented.

"With Barack Obama, people [will] feel a whole new optimism."

A recent study by Abta found that the outcome of the presidential election has had a big impact of people aged between 18 and 34.

More than a fifth of respondents in this age group said they are more likely to visit the US following the victory of Obama.