The Vanishing Frenchman

A study just published in Crain's reveals that, since 2000, the number of foreign tourists visiting NYC has dropped dramatically. When it comes to a head count, foreign tourists have been replaced by domestic ones, and Americans aren't so free with the cash, especially these days. As a result, the city is losing an estimated $1 billion a year.

The reasons cited by Crain's are obvious and banal-"Oh, they're afraid to come here after 9/11," and, "Oh, New York is just too expensive."

But there's an even simpler reason to explain why they're avoiding us, one that Crain's won't consider: New York isn't New York anymore. They'd get a better taste of the New York they're looking for by going to Philly, or that casino in Vegas.

Here's just one example. Tourists will find all the chain stores and restaurants in Manhattan they'd find most anywhere else-but in those other places, they'd be allowed to smoke. It's a bigger issue than most people realize. Why come here and go to the smoke-free Olive Garden on Broadway, when they can have exactly the same experience at one of the many fine Olive Gardens in Topeka? Not only would it be cheaper in Topeka, they'd still be able to light up after a meal like a civilized person in a civilized city. If you were Eurotrash, which would you prefer?