Brussels, 13/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - On 8 July, the US secretary of state for homeland security, Janet Napolitano, downplayed the introduction of a tax on tourists visiting the US as part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). During a conference in Washington, she indicated: “I think the perception in Europe is that the fee is, in reality, a tax and is open to possible retaliation on that score. We hope it isn't”. She added that the EU representatives at Congress had been quite vociferous with regard to this fee, which had been voted on and introduced into law as a means of promoting international tourism. This “Travel Promotion Act” includes payment of a $10 fee when entering the US, as a means of promoting the country's tourism and is expected to enter into force at the beginning of September (EUROPE 10142). (B.C./transl.fl)