This fable seems to be the craze
http://scienceblogs.com/evolutionblog/2009/06/an_amusing_brainteaser.php
Of course, the trick is that it is assumed that
from the start everybody has zero net debt (equal
amount owed and amount lended.
So obviously a compensation that would cancel all
debts can take place even without the tourist and
its magical 100 $ bill.
The hotel owner could have used one of its room
as a discreet clearing house ;-)
But that outrageous fable seems to persist, and even
bring macroecpnomic interpretations by self appointed
pundits.
Peter