The Refinishing Touch Blog

Last week, Roger Dow the president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, the non-profit that represents the US travel industry, sent a letter to the House and Senate. It contained broad support of the funding proposals contained within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 with the proposal of two measures:

"Authorize the creation of a travel promotion program to attract millions of additional international visitors and deliver billions in new spending for the economy;" and "Invest necessary funds to transform the current air traffic control system into a 21st century system that will deliver economic growth and enhance national mobility for travelers."

There is no denying that promoting travel and indeed promoting America, is a fundamental requirement to boost the economy. And as a frequent traveler that visits clients of ours from casinos in Las Vegas and luxury chains coast-to-coast to country resorts, I know from personal experience that traveling across America by air can be frustrating. Travel is vital to our economy.

On a more optimistic note, we have a country that offers so much. As part of my work I get to marvel at the variety, scenery, location, facilities and opportunities offered by America. From business centers to beach locations, mountain getaways and luxury golf resorts, the people, scenery, history: the United States is a great tourist destination and we should all contribute to this effort.

The Department of Commerce has stated that without travel promotion, overseas travel to the United States is expected to decline by more than three percent in 2009. Meanwhile the U.S. Travel Association estimates that a one-percent increase in the U.S. market share of world international travel would add $15 billion to the U.S. economy, $1.3 billion in new federal tax revenue and $1.1 billion in new state and local tax revenue.

I echo Mr. Dow's sentiments: let's tell the world of the why America is a great destination for business and pleasure and make the experience for each visitor – whether American or international – a good one.

Labels: US Travel Association; Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; Robert Dow