Rasulo Sets One-Year Deadline
for International Marketing Plan
In his inaugural speech as TIA National Chair, Jay Rasulo told attendees that "We must understand and acknowledge that there's a revolution going on in the global tourism market … the way people travel, where they travel, how they travel, and their expectations of service and ease of access – everything is changing and evolving at video-game speed." He remarked that three-quarters of a billion people are traveling outside of their country every year and over the next 15 years that number is expected to double, emphasizing that "capturing our fair share of that market ought to be the top priority for our industry, and a top priority for our country." For full text of Rasulo's speech, click here.

Rasulo then welcomed guest speaker Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Michael Chertoff. "Working with Homeland Security is essential to our industry's success and our nation's safety" he said.

Chertoff acknowledged that the travel industry is "an important vehicle on which to transport the value of American life." He continued "We don't want to create barriers, we want to conduct security in a way that is smart, efficient and good for business and the economy."

Chertoff said he wants to maintain a constructive partnership between the DHS and the travel industry and the DHS will continue to consult the industry on matters which affect travel.

In closing, Roger Dow, TIA's President and Chief Executive Officer said that the travel industry supports DHS and looks forward to continued cooperation.

Click here for the press release.

Bill Peeper, Orlando/Orange County CVB 
with Joe Lathrop, OCG International 


Matt Gaffney, Capitol Region USA
with Patricia McNally, U.S. Scenic Byways