Prominent leaders in the travel industry Barney Harford, President and CEO, Orbitz Worldwide, Jim Abrahamson, President, the Americas, IHG, Frits van Paasschen, President, CEO and Director, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Jay Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
and others met today with President Obama to discuss the role that travel can play in strengthening the American economy.

The meeting focused on two  areas: the need to welcome more international visitors and the business community's concerns about the dramatic nationwide downturn in meetings and events.

The travel industry employs 7.7 million Americans and generates more than US$740 billion in spending annually.

"We are pleased that President Obama recognizes the power of travel to strengthen America's economy," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the US Travel Association. "The travel community has an ally in President Obama, and we appreciate the leadership he intends to bring to increasing travel to and within the United States."

"Travel will play a critical role in driving America's economic recovery," said Jonathan Tisch, chairman of Loews Hotels and chairman emeritus of the US Travel Association. "We are pleased to have the support of President Obama and his team and look forward to working with them in the days ahead."

Industry leaders discussed the need to pass the Travel Promotion Act, which would establish the first-ever US promotion and communications campaign to attract millions of additional international visitors to the United States annually and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. Overseas visitors spend an average of US$4,000 per person, per visit.

Participants discussed the need to maximize the benefits of business meetings and events, which generate more than US$100 billion in spending and create more than one million jobs that are the lifeblood of local communities across the country.