TRAVEL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT SPURS MORE SPONSORS FOR PROMOTION LEGISLATION
The backdrop was the U.S. Capitol, the players were a mix of political and industry leaders, the game was travel promotion legislation, the outcome.....success! Several hundred travel industry executives from 25 states came to Washington September 26 and 27 for the 2nd Annual Travel Leadership Summit (TLS). The mission was to urge Congressional leaders to pass legislation that will provide up to $200 million to promote America to travelers from other countries.  When they arrived, the Travel Promotion Act had 12 Senate and 20 House sponsors.  After visits with Congressional members and staff, the legislation had more than 20 Senate sponsors and more than 60 in the House.  Clearly, TLS is another critical step in helping policymakers better understand and appreciate the importance of our industry. Click here for conference highlights.

TIA VOWS AGRESSIVE STANCE ON ADVOCACY
TIA President and CEO Roger Dow along with Jay Rasulo, TIA National Chair and Chairman, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, met recently with New York Times columnist Tom Friedman to talk about the important connection between the travel industry and the United States’ standing in the world. Mr. Friedman included some of their conversation in his column (click here for Friedman’s column) which highlights the importance of TIA’s role as an industry communicator and advocate. With the support of its Board of Directors, TIA has now committed to engage in more aggressive advocacy as part of its overall mission. Dow states "We are learning as an industry that our voice will, in fact, be heard if we commit the resources necessary to run a well-managed, comprehensive and strategic public affairs operation that advances our interests with policymakers and the media."

DOW NAMED TO 25 MOST INFLUENTIAL LIST
For the 13th year, the editors of MeetingNews have selected the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry and among this year’s honorees is TIA President and CEO, Roger Dow. Dow is recognized for his leadership in the successful lobbying efforts on Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and the crucial work on passport and visa requirement issues. He is also praised for his role in promoting international tourism to the U.S. Congratulations to Roger!

The travel industry supports continuation of the passport requirement for American travelers returning into the U.S. by air under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) since passport wait times have been significantly reduced. Still, we remain concerned about potential challenges associated with issuance of U.S. passports and passport cards when WHTI enforcement begins for land and sea travel sometime in 2009. Finally, we also continue to share with federal officials the need to facilitate inbound Canadian travel by land through the acceptance of less expensive travel documents and outreach/communications efforts to explain the WHTI requirements. For up-to-date information on all passport related issues, visit www.getapassportnow.com.

Want to know how travel has changed since 9/11? Over the past decade?  As its name implies, the Trends in U.S. Domestic Travel and Trip Activities report profiles trends in domestic travel – between 1996 and 2005 – with a particular focus on the travel-related activities Americans engage in on their trips. This report also describes changes in the domestic travel market in that ten-year period, including shifts in business and leisure travel, transportation and accommodations usage, participation in activities, and household spending.  In addition, this report highlights the changes in the U.S. travel market after the 2001 terrorist attacks and devotes particular attention to participation in recreation and cultural activities. 

TRAVEL'S GOING GREEN AT MARKETING OUTLOOK FORUM
Learn about the Green Consciousness of travelers. Know what your carbon footprint is? Find out how travelers are responding to their concerns about the environment. All of this plus insight on social networking, the latest on outbound Chinese travelers, the most up-to-date forecasts for all segments of the travel industry and more at the 2007 Marketing Outlook Forum in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 22-25, 2007. Make plans to attend as the program is drawing lots of attendees. To register click here.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT THIS YEAR’S INTERNATIONAL POW WOW
Dozens of travel professionals will give back to the industry they love by participating in the 3rd annual Kissimmee Cup at International Pow Wow at Reflection Bay Golf Club in Lake Las Vegas on June 1, 2008. Participants affirm their “elite status” as supporters of the TIA Foundation and cement relationships between travel suppliers and buyers all while helping the Foundation realize its goals of industry research and scholarships. This year’s tournament invites more participation, promises lots of fun, and the opportunity to become the Kissimmee Cup at International Pow Wow champion. Go to www.FloridaKiss.com/KissimmeeCup for more information. To register for International Pow Wow, click here.