06 November 2008

Obama plea from US travel industry

The US travel industry has called on President-elect Barack Obama to work together to help America Ã¢â¬Åâœwin hearts and minds around the worldÃ¢â¬~.

The plea came from Travel Industry Association president and CEO Roger Dow in the wake of ObamaÃ¢â¬â¢s historic election.

Additionally, the US National Tour Association will present recommendations on how the travel and tourism sector can help the economy to Obama in Washington DC on December 16.

As a first step, a cross-section of 20 travel leaders has been invited to submit ideas and convene to develop recommendations.

NTA president Lisa Simon said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe believe it is critical to equip President-elect Obama and his administration with the ways in which travel can fuel the US economy.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe know that travel and tourism is a way to quickly inject new jobs, new income and new tax revenues into our national economy. We simply need a unified plan to make it happen.Ã¢â¬~

Outlining the value of travel to the US economy - $700 billion in spending a year Ã¢â¬' Dow pledged support for the new Democratic administration.

He outlined the two most daunting challenges faced by the new President - improving the US economy and strengthening America's image in the international community.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœTravel is uniquely positioned to address both of these challenges,Ã¢â¬~ said Dow.

"The American economy is dependent on travel. The industry employs one out of every eight US workers, drives more than $700 billion in spending and is a major economic force in each of the 50 states.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThe small- and medium-sized businesses that make up more than 90 percent of America's travel community can trigger the kind of bottom-up economic growth and job creation that will put this economy back on track.Ã¢â¬~

He added: "Travel is also uniquely capable of helping America win hearts and minds around the world.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThe international business people, students and tourists who visit the United States each day are America's most effective diplomats.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThose who have visited the United States are 74% more likely to have a favourable opinion of America and its policies than those who have not.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœNine in ten travellers who visit the United States tell their friends and neighbours about their experience.

"TIA has a positive agenda for change that includes modernizing America's infrastructure and travel processes, creating jobs and improving the nation's energy security. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama to achieve these goals and build a stronger America."

by Phil Davies

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Your Comments (3)

Improve Security screening and improve travel to America

There is no dearth of demand for visas to come to the US, particularly now that we elected Mr Obama. The issue is the bottlenecks in the US Consulates around the world - the security and background checks on applicants can be difficult given the resources and importance given to the benefits from tourism (not only revenues but goodwill and understanding of our country), but if there is a concerted effort between the State Dept and a leader who champions travel promotion - perhaps the new Commerce Secy here, we may be able to improve the number of travellers who do not pose a threat but will spend their money in the US. We could use all the foreign receipts we can get. The bigger benefit will be reduction in the radicalization of misinformed youth.

By Ravi Rao, Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Don't forget outbound T A's!!

The TIA has a commendable record in promoting inbound travel, but please don't forget those of us who sell outbound destinations. This helps the U.S. economy and creates travel jobs as well!

By Peter Miele, Friday, November 7, 2008
Obama plea from US travel Industry

Time for a 'Free Flight' promotion. Certainly needs a good marketing camaign to get things buzzing.

By HARRY CICHY, Thursday, November 6, 2008