Hawaiian Tourism Banks on Obama (and Sarah Palin Helps Alaska, Too)

(MoneyWatch)  A week ago I wrote about Obama Tourism, but the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau now has a part of its site dedicated to "Barack Obama's Hawaii." The Web site points out where he went to high school, where he body-surfed, that national cemetery where his grandfather was buried and where he played golf. It also has an interview with Obama by Pico Iyer and other articles about his ties to Hawaii.

I wondered if this was yet another tribute to Obama's rock star status, so I went to the Arizona Office of Tourism, sure I would find something about John McCain. Nope. Apparently he couldn't outrank the Grand Canyon or even Hopi basket weaving. The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism seems to limit John F. Kennedy's heritage to one page about his museum in Hyannisport.

Then, on a whim, I decided to look at the Alaska Travel Industry Association, and sure enough -- there she was. Granted, Sarah Palin is the governor of the state, but she and her family are mentioned more than once (apparently her husband, Todd, is a four-time winner of the snowmachining race "Iron Dog.") She also graces the cover of the state's tourism brochures which are now in wide distribution. Although they were printed before she was selected to be John McCain's running mate, a spokeswoman for the association said, the group decided not to send the majority out until after the election to "be safe" and not affect voting.