Industry CEOs Urge Policies to Stimulate Global Travel, Job Creation and Economic Development
Washington, D.C. - January 28, 2013 - Two leaders in the travel industry urged governments to stimulate global travel and recognize travel as trade at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week. Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton Worldwide, and Arne Sorenson, president and CEO, Marriott International, addressed global business and travel industry leaders, urging policies that stimulate global travel, create jobs and spur economic development.
"With more than one billion people traveling worldwide, travel is an undisputed driver of the global economy, supporting job growth, sustaining communities and bridging cultural divides," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "Here in the U.S., President Obama has set a goal of attracting 100 million international travelers to the U.S. by 2021. To achieve that, we must continue to improve travel facilitation and expand the Visa Waiver Program, which increases security and removes barriers for international leisure and business travelers from countries that are allied with the United States. I commend Chris Nassetta and Arne Sorenson for bringing this to the world's attention at Davos and thank them for their strong leadership on actions that promote mobility and foster travel."
The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $1.9 trillion in economic output and supports 14.4 million jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit www.ustravel.org.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
