Finger wagging.

A Brazilian decision to photograph and fingerprint U.S. citizens upon arrival seems not to have driven down tourism interest in the country--at least initially. The tit-for-tat decision was in response to a U.S. security program that does the same to non-visa travelers to the United States, including Brazilians.

The changes have made little difference in tourism travel to the South American country, says Antonio Agusto, director of Flytour Travel in Recife. At first, U.S. tourists complained about being the only ones subject to the scrutiny and the nine-hour waits the screening process took, but things have changed. "Now the screening system is digital and it only takes thirty seconds," says Agusto.

In 2003, travel and tourism pumped US$44.40 billion into Brazil. By 2013, tourism revenues are expected to more than double to $87.4 billion. U.S. tourists lead the pack, American travelers spend $106 a day while in Brazil, more than tourists from any other country. Argentines travel in greater numbers than do U.S. travelers, but they spend $85 a day.

In Brazil, tourism accounts now for a fraction of gross domestic product, although the government hopes that figure will grow. In Rio de Janeiro, for example, travel industry leaders are working to promote aquatic sports activities and tour package operations.