TIA Press Release - TRAVEL INDUSTRY APPLAUDS NEW INITIATIVES
DATE: January 17, 2006
CONTACT: Dennis Petroskey
(202) 408-2162
dpetroskey@tia.org, www.tia.org
TRAVEL INDUSTRY APPLAUDS NEW INITIATIVES
ANNOUNCED BY SECRETARIES RICE AND CHERTOFF
¿Recognition of Travel Industry¿s Importance Economically
and in Pubic Diplomacy Efforts¿
WASHINGTON, DC ¿ Key travel industry leaders applauded today¿s announcement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff for a joint effort to promote open doors to the U.S. while maintaining secure borders.
Roger J. Dow, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Travel Industry Association of America; Jay Rasulo, 2006 TIA National Chair and Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Jonathan Tisch, Chairman of the Travel Business Roundtable and Chairman of Loews Hotels; and Vincent A. Wolfington, Chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council, jointly endorsed the announcement aimed at ¿renewing America¿s welcome,¿ developing state-of-the-art travel documents and requirements to promote ease of visitation to the U.S., and smarter screening of travelers.
Dow said, ¿It¿s a significant step forward and a reflection that this Administration increasingly recognizes the importance of the travel industry, both economically and as an enormous asset in our public diplomacy efforts.¿
¿We¿ve been working with senior officials at both State and Homeland Security to offer expertise from some of the best travel and tourism companies in America to help our frontline officers send a message of hospitality, even as we keep our country safe. This announcement goes a long way toward sending the proper signal to our friends around the world that we want them to come visit.¿
Rasulo said, "This is an important step toward restoring America¿s competitiveness in the world travel market. We look forward to working with Secretaries Rice and Chertoff on making the entry experience for visitors to our country as welcoming as it is secure. If we find the right balance, millions of jobs, billions in revenues and an improved U.S. image around the world will be the reward."
Tisch said, ¿No industry is more affected by these moves than travel and tourism. Today¿s announcement demonstrates that the Administration is listening to us when we promote the unique role travel and tourism can play as an engine for prosperity and a partner in our diplomatic efforts around the world. Research consistently indicates people are significantly more inclined to feel good about America after visiting and experiencing our country¿s diverse peoples and opportunities.¿
Wolfington added, ¿The World Travel and Tourism Council¿s Summit, which will include CEO-level travel leaders from around the world, is coming to Washington on
April 10-12, and will be an ideal chance for us to demonstrate the mindset change of our government toward international visitors as reflected in this announcement. A more open and welcoming policy that promotes a robust travel industry in America is only good news for travel all over the world.¿
Key Facts To Consider:
U.S. market share of international travel is at an all-time low. Since 1992¿
¿ U.S. market share has dropped 35% (between 1992 and 2004).
¿ Losing market share has cost the U.S. economy $286 billion in revenue.
¿ Federal, state and local government would have an extra $48 billion in tax revenue if we had maintained our market share.
International visitation creates jobs, economic growth, and tax revenue.
¿ Every 1% increase in international market share equals:
o 151,000 new jobs
o $12.1 billion in expenditures
o $2 billion more in tax revenues
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TIA is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $600 billion travel industry. TIA¿s mission is to represent the whole of the U.S. travel industry to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States.
The Travel Business Roundtable (TBR), a strategicc partner to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), is a CEO-based organization representing all sectors of the travel and tourism industry. In addition to airlines, car rental companies, travel management agencies, hotel chains, resorts and theme parks, TBR's membership roster also includes such entities as The Coca-Cola Company, USA Today, the National Football League, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating the broad scope and diversity of the industry.
The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global business leaders¿ forum for Travel & Tourism. Its Members are Chairmen, Chief Executives and Presidents of the world¿s most prominent Travel & Tourism organizations. It is the only body representing the private sector in all parts of the Travel & Tourism industry worldwide.
