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TIA Co-Hosts Congressional Roundtable on $1.6 Trillion U.S. Travel Economy
Washington, DC -- In partnership with Representatives Sam Farr (D-CA) and Jon Porter (R-NV), co-chairs of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, the Travel Industry Association (TIA) today hosted a roundtable with House Leaders, Committee Chairs and Ranking Members, and the Secretaries of Commerce and Homeland Security, on the significance of travel to the U.S. economy.
"The travel community applauds Representatives Farr and Porter for their efforts in promoting the economic benefits of travel," said Roger Dow, President and CEO of TIA. "Today's roundtable with top Congressional and Administration leaders opened an important dialogue on the critical problems facing America's travel economy."
Dow noted that travel is one of America's largest exports and is one of the largest employers in every state and congressional district--it is among the top 10 industries in 49 of the 50 United States. Travel and related services account for one out of every eight non-farm U.S. jobs, $1.6 trillion in economic activity or nearly three percent of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP).
Dow further noted that America's deteriorating air travel system and the post-9/11 decline in overseas travel to the United States puts America's travel economy at risk.
"The traveling public is looking for leadership from Washington. They want a champion who will stand up for the traveler. After today's discussion, it is clear that the American traveler now has several high-ranking champions in Congress," said Dow.
Participants in today's roundtable included:
Hon. Carlos Guierrez, Secretary of Commerce
Hon. Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security
Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), House Majority Leader
Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), House Minority Leader
Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO), House Minority Whip
Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN), Chairman, House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
Rep. John Mica (R-FL), Ranking Minority Member, House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
Rep. Jim McCreary (R-LA), Ranking Minority Member, House Committee on Ways & Means
The Travel Industry Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $740 billion travel industry. TIA's mission is to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. TIA is proud to be a partner in travel with American Express. For more information, visit www.tia.org.
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