Travel: U.S. finalizes ambitious national tourism strategy

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Administration aims to boost visits to U.. by 50 percent

New Orleans is a top tourism destination in the U.S.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — After working together with key players in the travel and hospitality industries, the Obama administration this week delivered the final version of a National Tourism and Travel Strategy aimed at boosting international travel to the U.S. by 50 percent in the next 10 years.

The ambitious goal would lead to additional spending of $250 billion per year, helping to creat jobs and spur economic growth across the country. It’s the first time that the highest levels of the U.S. government have recognized the potential of tourism as an economic engine.

By some estimates, travel supports more than 14.4 million American jobs and contributes $1.9 trillion to our economy — and travel exports have been booming. Travel exports totaled a record $152 billion in 2011, and the travel industry is now the number one contributor to the country’s balance of trade. (more…)

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Tourism-boosting bill introduced in Senate

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Tourism in New Orleans. PHOTO BY BOB BERWYN.

Travel industry looks for expanded visa waiver program and low-season incentives for overseas visitors

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — Tourism industry leaders see President Obama an ally in their push to ease visa restrictions for foreign visitors. Executives from big companies like Expedia, Orbitz and Hilton last week met with senior administration officials to push for implementation of a national travel strategy that could help boost jobs and revenue.

“President Obama’s call for a national travel and tourism strategy was one of the most significant developments for our industry in the past decade,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “The travel industry has the ability — and stands ready — to quickly hire many of the unemployed workers in our country, but to do that we must have policies in place that increase travel to and within the United States.”

The meeting coincided with introduction in the U.S. Senate of the Jobs Originated through Launching Travel (JOLT) Act. The measure, introduced by New York Sen. Charles Schumer, along with 10 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle, would expand the visa waiver program and speed up the application process for inbound tourists. (more…)

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Overseas visitors to U.S. spend record $153 billon in 2011

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

International visits grow by 8.1 percent from 2010

Growing visits to national parks like Badlands is a big part of the federal government's push to increase tourism.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY —Thanks in part to a favorable exchange rate, international tourist visits to the U.S. surged in 2011, contributing to an 8.1 percent increase in domestic and international tourism spending.

A big factor was an influx of international travelers — up 2.5 million to a total of 62 million for the year, according to figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department this week. The department estimates that the growth in tourism supports an additional 103,000 jobs.

Altogether, visitors from overseas spent an all-time record  $153 billion on U.S. travel and tourism-related goods and services in 2011, making travel and tourism the country’s number-one service export. The figures come on the heels of President Obama’s announcement of new initiatives to significantly increase travel and tourism in the U.S. (more…)

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President Obama aims to boost U.S. tourism industry

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Emerging tourism source countries eyed to boost U.S. economy

Tourists and locals line Main Street in Frisco, Colorado to watch the Independence Day Parade.

President Barack Obama.

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — Colorado and Vail could be well-placed to take advantage of any boost in tourism that results from President Obama’s push to speed visa processing for foreign travelers, with Vail Resorts chairman and CEO Rob Katz being named to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, along with Holly Arnold Kinney, proprietor of the Fort Restaurant in Morrison.

The expanded board is part of an initiative announced Thursday by President Obama with the overall goal of making the U.S. the world’s top tourism and travel destination.

The president signed an an executive order that will expand the global entry program for pre-approved, low-risk travelers to new airports, including DIA, and  increase non-immigrant visa processing by 40 percent in China and Brazil, two emerging economy countries seen as huge source markets for tourism.

“Every year, tens of millions of tourists from all over the world come and visit America. And the more folks who visit America, the more Americans we get back to work,” Obama said Thursday in a tourism speech at Disney World.  “We need to help businesses all across the country grow and create jobs; compete and win. That’s how we’re going to rebuild an economy where hard work pays off, where responsibility is rewarded, and where anyone can make it if they try,”  he added.

I think it is a very positive move, albeit several years over due,” said Colorado Tourism Office director Al White. “The work on speeding up visa applications will be huge … Also, the advisory board he (President Obama) is talking about has two Coloradans on it …  That is a positive omen for Colorado.  All things considered, I think it is a great move on the part of the President. Now they have to execute.” (more…)

Filed under: business, Colorado, economy, federal government, Summit County news, tourism, Travel | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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