Leaders in the travel industry meet with Obama to discuss the journey ahead
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.
Karen
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements