Travel Industry to Continue Seeking Bipartisan Support
WASHINGTON, DC, November 9, 2006, Following Tuesday's elections, travel leaders said they look forward to continuing to work with both Democrats and Republicans in Congress, as the industry serves to enhance America economically and helps improve the nation's image around the world.
"New policy priorities for the 110th Congress will require new strategies to enhance our nation's travel and tourism industry," said Jonathan M. Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels, and chairman of the Travel Business Roundtable. "We will continue working with both chambers and both parties, as our industry is a major presence in every state in the U.S. - both blue and red," said Tisch.
"Unlike some other industries, travel and tourism can continue to grow and succeed as long as our historical bipartisan support continues," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the Travel Industry Association. "Striking an appropriate balance between homeland security and facilitation of inbound international travel, for example, remains a major priority, and we will continue to reach out to all Members of Congress to advance our goals," said Dow.
The U.S. travel industry will forge a strong effort to educate new policymakers about enhancing the U.S. image around the world by welcoming international travelers to visit and discover America.
In addition, priorities for the travel industry include reform of visa and entry policy; retention of the Visa Waiver Program; support for the US-VISIT program; appropriate implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative; greater investment in our nation's transportation infrastructure; visitor access to public lands; and pro-growth tax policies.
The Travel Industry Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $654 billion travel industry. TIA's mission is to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. For more information, visit www.tia.org. The Travel Business Roundtable (TBR), a strategic partner to the Travel Industry Association, is a CEO-based organization representing all sectors of the travel and tourism industry. For more information, visit www.tbr.org.
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