As the travel industry suffers from a downturn in business and group travel, destinations with a reputation for fun are among the hardest hit. According to the Wall Street Journal, Orlando, Las Vegas and Reno are three destinations believed to be on a blacklist when it comes to booking government meetings. The article quotes a Department of Justice spokeswoman as saying, "We do have guidance that says avoid locations and accommodations that give the appearance of being lavish or are resort destinations."

Last week, a bill to prevent federal agencies from ruling out tourist destinations as places to hold meetings was introduced by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. The August 3, 2009 issue of Travel Weekly quotes U.S. Travel Association president Roger Dow as saying, "Face-to-face meetings are often the most productive ways to strengthen relationships, develop strategies, increase productivity and achieve organizational goals."

Considering these places are among the best-value domestic destinations, the government's decision to place them on a blacklist (if such a "list" does in fact exist) is strange indeed.