(CBS) Letter from London is Larry Miller's weekly look at news from across the pond.

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For the British and other Europeans, there has rarely been a better time to visit America. The weak dollar makes the U.S. bargain basement for nearly everything. That, and coast to coast tourist attractions should mean this is the destination of choice. But for many it isn't anymore.

Official figures show a half a million fewer Brits traveled to the U.S. last year than in 2000, down 11-percent, while their visits to Turkey, the Caribbean, India and New Zealand are all considerably higher.

Because more than four million Britons still come to the U.S., it's tempting to dismiss the downturn, until you consider the hard figures.

The U.S. business group, Discover America Partnership, says: "The overall 17-percent decline in overseas travel to the U.S. since 9/11 has cost America $94 billion in lost visitor spending, nearly 200,000 jobs, and $16 billion in lost taxes."

Some areas feel it worse than others. Foreign visitors are down in Boston by 25-percent, Miami 33-percent, Chicago 21-percent and LA 29-percent.

How much worse would it be were it not for the weak dollar?

Fewer foreigners experiencing the good of America has another detrimental effect; there are fewer travelers to counter anti-U.S. feelings and propaganda when they get back home.

Jonathan Tisch, owner of the NY Giants and chief advisor to the Commerce Department's Tourism Board, told London's Daily Telegraph that too little has been done to promote the U.S. and ensure visitors feel welcome.

The Telegraph story was posted on the paper's Web site, and readers offered their views about why they are reluctant to visit America in the comments section. Perhaps, it's worth citing some of them.

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One commented, "There is no way I will travel to the States anymore and put up with the rudeness and incivility of the immigration staff there."

Another says, "The entry formalities into the U.S. are demeaning. They have the right to impose whatever security checks they want, we have the right to holiday elsewhere."

This seemed to be the theme picked up by many. "I refuse to visit a country that fingerprints me on entry." Another echoed that, saying: "The U.S. is the only country in the world where tourism is regarded as a criminal activity."

A professor who went to New York to present a paper at a conference says, "I was treated so badly. I expect because I am brown and have a Muslim name. The immigration officer was aggressive, rude and I left in a state of shock, unable to sleep I was so scared. I will never go back."

And once through the airport, is it any better? Not for some. One said, "California police act as highwaymen. Hiding, ready to jump out and catch a misfortunate tourist. There are plenty more welcoming places on Earth."

Some mentioned politics as a reason why they stay away; "A protest over the invasion of Iraq," said one. Another wrote simply: "George Bush."

There were cheerleaders for the U.S., but far fewer. Some report being treated with respect, that they understand why security is tight and are willing to live with it to have a great time.

While it may be easy to dismiss the feelings of a bunch of foreigners, it's not so easy to dismiss the hit the U.S. is taking.

Two hundred thousand and counting are a lot of U.S. jobs to lose. However, the greater danger is that first impressions are lasting impressions.

As one person lamented, "U.S. fears have turned to paranoia, with the culture of a once welcoming nation tossed out the window."

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