Vancouver Boosts View From Summit

VANCOUVER, B.C. - While the television equipment was being packed up and the street barricades were coming down, tourism officials were rejoicing at the worldwide exposure the U.S.-Russia Summit won for Vancouver a week ago.

Although direct benefits may add up to less than the $6.5 million originally anticipated, the impact of the Vancouver skyline set against mountain and sea on TVs worldwide should give tourism a long-term boost.

"I think it will be even better than Expo for the city," said Charles Mayrs, president of Dome Advertising, which handles many B.C. Tourism Ministry campaigns.

Mayrs had been creative director for Expo 86. Back then, he'd had to spend time telling people where Vancouver was. "We don't have to after the summit," he said.