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>Current News
Click here for the most recent news.
New Survey Reveals Staycations Planned by Fewer than One in Ten Travelers
The TIA/Ypartnership travelhorizons™ survey of U.S. adult travelers reveals that only 9 percent are planning a "staycation," or home-based vacation, as an alternative to a vacation they otherwise would have taken out of town during the next six months. This represents a significantly lower percentage than expected by industry analysts. Click here for the release.
TIA Board Branding Discussion Results
Members of the TIA Board have given their approval "in form" to a new name for the organization. The name, U.S. Travel Association, was the recommendation of a steering committee advised by branding experts. TIA is soliciting member feedback prior to any formal decision. Comments should be submitted to brand@tia.org by September 8.
DiscoverAmerica.com Launched in Top 5 International Markets
The first-ever official U.S. travel and tourism website has launched in the five countries that account for 75 percent of all inbound travel to the United States: Canada (English- and French-speaking), Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany. Click here to view the release.
Travel Promotion Act Nears the Finish Line
The House co-sponsor total is 230 and the Senate co-sponsor total is 47. With only a few short weeks until the end of the congressional session, TIA is urging the travel community to act now to support the Travel Promotion Act (S. 1661/H.R. 3232). Click here to view the list of co-sponsors.
Registration Now Open for Two of TIA's Signature Events
 The Travel Leadership Summit, September 24-25, unites hundreds of travel professionals to encourage action on the most pressing issues and legislation in Washington, DC.
 Portland, OR, hosts TIA's Marketing Outlook Forum, October 27-30, where travel professionals gain the vital market intelligence and insight needed to succeed in the ever evolving marketplace.
 Deteriorating Air Travel Hits Small Travel Business Hardest
Roger Dow, TIA's President and CEO, and Mike Gallagher, Co-founder of CityPass, testified before the House Committee on Small Business that small travel and tourism businesses are disproportionately affected by the economic losses caused by the current air travel situation. Click here for the release.
Travel Promotion Act Gains Major Boost in the House
A bipartisan majority of the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have now co-sponsored H.R. 3232, the "Travel Promotion Act," introduced by Representatives William Delahunt (D-MA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO). Click here for the release.
 TIA Members Participate in Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus Roundtable
The roundtable discussion on travel's significance to the U.S. economy was led by co-chairs Congressmen Sam Farr (D-CA) and Jon Porter (R-NV) and included TIA's National Chair, Caroline Beteta, and Roger Dow, TIA President and CEO. Click here for the release.
TIA Welcomes First Chinese Tour Group to the United States
Under New Agreement
Roger Dow and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez welcomed China National Tourism Administration Chairman Shao Qiwei and the first tour group. Travel to the U.S. from China is expected to skyrocket. Click here for the release.
TIA and American Express Join Forces on Travel Sustainability
The organizations are developing the Travel Sustainability Initiative, a comprehensive plan to guide the travel industry in its response to assuring sustainability in travel and tourism. Click here for the release.
 Record Attendance at TIA's 40th Annual International Pow Wow
Las Vegas is host to over 5500 suppliers, buyers and journalists for the travel industry's premier international marketplace and the largest generator of Visit USA travel.
Landmark Survey Reveals Deep Frustration Among Air Travelers – 41 Million Trips Avoided, $26.5 Billion Blow to Economy
A groundbreaking survey recently commissioned by TIA found that frustration with the air travel system is growing and that this frustration is highest among those who fly the most. In fact, 28% of air travelers avoided at least one trip over the past year due to the problems in the air travel process, costing the economy over $26.5 billion through 41 million trips that were not taken.
Click here for the press release.
Click here for a one-page summary.
Click here for the detailed survey results.
 Andrew Winston is International Pow Wow Monday Luncheon Speaker
Brought to you by TIA's Partner in Travel, American Express, the best-selling author and corporate environmental strategist is the featured speaker for Monday's luncheon at International Pow Wow. Click here to learn more.
International Pow Wow Luncheon will Feature Hualapai Tribe
Hosted by Grand Canyon West, Tuesday's luncheon at International Pow Wow will feature artists, musicians, and dancers from the Hualapai Tribe. Click here to learn more.
 Travel Promotion Act Has More Than 200 Co-sponsors in the House
The legislation would create a public-private partnership to better explain U.S. security policies and attract millions of additional visitors- at no cost to U.S. taxpayers. To learn more, click here.
Travel Industry Leaders Meet with Senator John McCain
 They discussed the value of travel promotion to attract international visitors, inefficiencies in the entry process for international travelers and the growing concern over domestic air travel. Click here for the release.
 Roger Dow Celebrates National Tourism Week with Speeches in Utah and Texas
Dow emphasized the economic importance of travel and reiterated the need to make it easier for foreign visitors to travel to the United States. Learn more about National Tourism Week.
 Roger Dow Submits Written Testimony to House Subcommittee
Dow calls for swift implementation of the Visa Waiver Program reforms that will improve U.S. diplomacy and boost America's travel economy. Click here for the release.
 Discover Great American Traditions During 25th Annual National Tourism Week
Join hundreds of cities, states and businesses nationwide May 10 - 18 in the annual salute to travel and tourism in America. Click here to learn more.
 Gas Prices Not Likely To Affect Summer Travel Plans
Six of ten Americans who are currently planning a trip will not change their travel plans due to the increase in the price of gas. Click here for the release.
 New TIA Resource on the Benefits of Travel
To help raise awareness of the tremendous benefits of travel, TIA created a new area, www.TIA.org/Benefits, to provide information on the many ways that travel is good for the individual.
 New Website Details the Economic Power of Travel
PowerofTravel.org is a first-of-its-kind, interactive website that details the economic power of travel from the international level to individual congressional districts.
TIA Committed to Secure Air Exit System
TIA will rally the travel community toward the quick implementation of a biometric air exit plan that meets the Department of Homeland Security's goals and does not add new burdens to the air travel process. Click here for the release.
TIA Pledges to Lead Discussion on Air Travel Reform
TIA called on the three remaining presidential candidates to issue detailed plans to improve the air travel process during their term in office. Click here for the release.
 Sir Richard Branson Receives Steve Fossett Innovation Award at TravelCom'08
The Founder and President of Virgin Atlantic Airways received the award during TIA's TravelCom'08. To learn more about TravelCom, click here.
 Travel Community Calls for Communications Campaign of New Border Policy
TIA expressed concern about the communication of new rules issued by the Department of Homeland Security regarding documents needed to cross the U.S.-Canada border. For the release, click here.
Travel Community Praises Expansion of the Visa Waiver Program
 TIA praised the Department of Homeland Security for expanding and strengthening the Visa Waiver Program by signing memoranda of understanding (MOU) with the nations of Slovakia, Lithuania, and Hungary. The MOUs are the first steps toward enabling their citizens to travel to the United States securely without a visa. Click here.
TIA's Policy Council Discussed Public Affairs Agenda
 The inaugural meeting of TIA's Policy Council took place in Washington, DC this week. Representatives from a diverse mix of states, destination marketing organizations and companies discussed inbound international strategy, domestic travel facilitation and the impact of climate change on our industry. The Policy Council helps shape and prioritize TIA's public affairs agenda.
U.S. Welcomes 2 Million Fewer Overseas Visitors in 2007 Than in 2000
The U.S. continues to see a decline in overseas arrivals despite a boom in international travel and a favorable exchange rate. The Travel Promotion Act would help reverse the decline by establishing a nationally coordinated travel promotion campaign at no cost to the American taxpayer. Click here for the release.
 2008 Odyssey Awards Call for Entries
The TIA Odyssey Awards, presented in partnership with National Geographic Traveler, recognize the highest achievements worldwide in the travel and tourism industry. Click here to learn more.
 State Tourism Directors Conduct Annual Spring Forum in Washington, DC
Over 30 state tourism directors, including Liz Chewning, Travel Director, West Virginia Division of Tourism, met in Washington, DC for the annual NCSTD Spring Forum. TIA staff gave updates on association priorities and the directors discussed common issues during the two day business meeting.
TIA's Travel Action Kit Provides Tools to Support the Travel Promotion Act
The Travel Promotion Act (TPA), legislation that would help the U.S. welcome millions of additional visitors annually, must pass Congress by this October. Contact your lawmaker to show support for the TPA. Click here to access the February Travel Action Kit.
 Sir Richard Branson Will Accept Steve Fossett Innovation Award at TravelCom '08
Sir Richard Branson, Founder and Chairman of the Virgin Group Companies, will be presented the first-ever Steve Fossett Innovation Award at TravelCom '08 in Chicago. To view the release, click here. Click here to learn more about TravelCom.
TIA & TBR Urge DHS to Alter January 31 WHTI Roll-Out Plan
Reiterating their support for WHTI but citing concerns about insufficient communications and upcoming document reforms, the travel community called on DHS to modify its proposed interim procedures scheduled to start on January 31. To view the release, click here.
TIA Lauds Federal Advisory Panel Recommendation to Launch U.S. Travel Promotion Campaign
 TIA today welcomed the recommendation by leading business and academic experts that the U.S. should launch an international promotion campaign to better communicate U.S. travel policies and attract more international visitors. The Secure Borders and Open Doors Advisory Committee, created by the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security in 2006, identified poor communication as one of the leading causes of the 17 percent decline in overseas visitation to the U.S. since September 11, 2001. Click here for the full statement.
Travel Community Urges President Bush to Include Travel Promotion Act in Economic Stimulus Package
The Chairs of TIA and TBR also called on President Bush to include the Travel Promotion Act in an economic stimulus package. Their letter highlights the critical role overseas travel to the United States can play in strengthening the American economy. For more details, click here.
TIA Launches "Change the Debate" Campaign
 To call the attention of the presidential candidates to critical travel issues, TIA launched the "Change the Debate" campaign on January 10. Billboards running in Columbia and Myrtle Beach proclaim "South Carolina Wants a President Who Will Stand Up For Travel." Roger Dow, President and CEO of TIA, was also in South Carolina meeting with local media prior to the January 10 presidential debate. Click here for the full press release.
New Survey Reveals Voters Want Presidential Candidates to Make Travel Issues a Priority
TIA and TBR Commend DHS on New Standards for Secure Driver's Licenses
Click here for the release.
TIA Learns Passport Alternative Available
The Associated Press reports that the State Department will begin accepting applications on February 1 for passport cards as alternatives to passports for Americans who travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The wallet size cards will be cheaper than a regular passport: $45 for adults and $35 for children. Adults who already have passports will have to pay $20 for the card. The passport cards will be accepted for land and sea crossings between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda but not for flights. Click here for more information.
Congress Passes Key Travel Provisions
Congress passed major spending legislation before the winter recess that addressed several top priorities of the travel industry to strengthen security and improve the U.S. welcome of international visitors. TIA President and CEO Roger Dow said the action demonstrates "that Congress increasingly understands the importance of attracting international visitors to our country." Click here for full release.
Commerce Agreement to Boost Visits from China
 The U.S. Department of Commerce announced an agreement with China to facilitate more group travel by Chinese citizens to the U.S. It also permits U.S. destinations to market themselves in China. TIA President and CEO Roger Dow lauded the successful negotiations by Commerce Secretary Gutierrez saying that the agreement "ensures a bright future for Chinese travel to the U.S." Click here for a release.
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