Tourist

Thanks to Jerry Hulse for his attempt to demythologize the concept of B&B in the United States. In Europe, and in England particularly, B&Bs became popular because they were inexpensive, clean, and offered some opportunity to mix with the locals, but they were never pretentious. When I was a child my parents and I used "tourist accommodation" houses as a less expensive alternative to hotels. The B&B could still be used practically if priced right. KATHARINE R. McCORMACK Tarzana

In Jerry Hulse's Tips column of April 26 a Mary Allen of San Diego recommended Tilleys Bistro in Bath, England. I would like to tell her how much we enjoyed her recommendation; we went there two evenings for dinner. The young couple who own the place, David and Dawn Mott, were astonished and delighted to have the clipping from The Times. It is such a relief to find a place with excellent food happily served in less than huge quantities. Exactly what an overfed tourist wants now and then.

As July ended, Egypt was celebrating a tourism boom--with no end in sight. There were almost 3 million visitors last year, and officials had visions of 5 million by 1995. Egypt finally was returning as an international tourist mecca after years of Middle East uncertainty that had devastated an industry as old as the pyramids. Then, on Aug. 2, Iraq invaded Kuwait. "Tourism is an industry sensitive to regional politics," said Fuad Sultan, Egypt's tourism minister.

It is still called the Tour de France, but the first three days of the 2,393-mile bicycle race will be held in Ireland, beginning with today's 3 1/2-mile time trial in downtown Dublin. The Irish government courted the tour and predicts it will bring more than $45 million in tourist trade, but downtown businesses have complained about congestion in a city already full of tourists.

James Flanigan usually gets it right. He accurately recites the position of Mayor Beverly O'Neill and a group of entrepreneurs regarding the development of Long Beach (" 'Burbs of a Feather," March 12). Don't view Long Beach as a separate community, but as just a place between Los Angeles and Orange County with an oceanfront and port. Put the vast majority of funds in a small area of downtown and hope for a rush of tourist business. We have been waiting for this tourist revenue for the last 20 years.

I wish "L.A. to Draw on Van Gogh as Tourist Lure" [Dec. 16] had included the numbers that proved irrefutably that no man's or woman's money-love could be held responsible for the exhibit's high ticket prices. I wish the article showed how it would not be possible for Los Angeles to host this wonderful show without excluding all those who cannot afford to pay the special admission price of $17.50 or $20. The article describes the exhibit as being a lure for tourist dollars, but would any fewer tourists stay for any less time with any fewer dollars if the museum's regular admission policy, including every second Tuesday of the month being free, was in effect?

I was shocked to see the Travel section cover story about ground zero ("Ground Zero," March 17). It was just like any other travel feature, except it is a crime scene you are visiting rather than the most popular beach in Maui. Your story offended me on many different levels. How sad it is that you chose to pander to the misguided New York City officials who thought it would be a good idea to make it easier for people to gawk at the carnage. Ground zero is not a tourist destination.

Lucinda Lewis has photographed the shiniest and flashiest of '50s cars for "Dream Machines: 1993," her highly polished introduction to the new calendar year. Finned and tri-toned Desoto Fire-sweeps, Plymouth Belvederes and Ford Skyliners are among the pinups, all photographed in their natural habitats--Angelo's drive-in and the Tower movie house in Fresno, Dimple's Diner in Visalia and a neon-lined street in downtown Las Vegas. But a funny thing happened on Lewis' way to the shoot.