Gov. Mike Easley's recent trip to Italy cost taxpayers $170,000.
Expenses on the nine-day trip promoting North Carolina business opportunities ranged from $700 for a lunch for eight in Rome to nearly $52,000 for a daily chauffeured Mercedes car and van for Easley and his wife.
Part of the cost came from the weak dollar. Hotel bills topped $590 for two nights in Florence, though four years ago they would have been $160 cheaper at the going exchange rate.
State officials say the trip was a success, leading to as many as six promising leads for new or expanding businesses and two stories in Italian publications highlighting North Carolina as a tourist destination.
The Department of Commerce said Easley's luxury car was chosen by his security detail.
Bryan Beatty, head of the agency that handles his security, said that the car was necessary to protect the governor, since they did not how what kind of transportation would be available. (N&O)
Correction: A previous version of this post overstated the cost of the Easleys car service.
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Re: Easley trip to Italy cost $170k
I don't think I could ever afford to pay $590 for two nights in an Italy hotel and that's because I can always find better offers other than luxury hotels. I don't question your staying there, you got your own reasons, but why would I pay for standard luxury services I can find anywhere instead of paying for common hotels that actually bring the Italian spirit right in front of me.