Massachusetts Tourism Industry Well Represented by The Red Lion Inn at Washington Event

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. May 23, 2013

MAY 23, 2013 -The Red Lion Inn's Director of Sales Brian Butterworth recently joined over 300 travel and tourism professionals in Washington, D.C. for Destination: Capitol Hill, the travel industry's premier legislative fly-in. Travel professionals from 45 states traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak with their representatives about issues that impact the travel industry.

The two-day event, was organized by the U.S. Travel Association, along with the National Tour Association (NTA), the Southeast Tourism Society and the Destination Marketing Association International Prior to visiting legislators, attendees participated in educational sessions with electeMay 23.d officials, leaders from federal agencies and tourism associations, and seasoned lobbyists, all discussing tourism issues and legislation.

Butterworth was team leader and spokesperson for the group from Massachusetts, and attended meetings with five legislative offices (Senators Cowan and Warren and Congressmen Kennedy, Neal, and McGovern). The group came to Washington with a clearly defined agenda:

• Preserving Brand USA and building support for the re-authorization of the Travel Promotion Act;
• Cultivating co-sponsors for and ultimately passing the JOLT Act (Jobs Originated Through Launching Travel), HR 1354;
• Supporting adequate funding for America's travel and transportation infrastructure and National Parks;
• Opposing across-the-board cuts to government travel.

He was able to connect dots between the private sector, the state efforts and Brand USA during their visits, as well as the importance that policy decisions carry in regard to supporting this industry.

“It's really quite amazing how quickly the Federal Government has gotten into the game,” said Butterworth. “The opportunity to hear Cabinet Secretaries, Bureau Heads, a Senator and others speak eloquently and with sincerity about the important roles the tourism industry plays in American life was great. The national Travel and Tourism strategy is less than two years old and is moving along quite well—I appreciate the opportunity to keep it fresh in the minds of our elected officials.”

Butterworth is a member of the Leadership Team and Government Relations Committee for NTA, the leading business-building association for professionals serving customers traveling to, from and within North America.

The Red Lion Inn
A charter member of Historic Hotels of America and winner of the Wine Spectator award for over a decade, The Red Lion Inn (c. 1773) has been providing food and lodging to guests for over two centuries. With the addition of its ninth Village Guest House Maple Glen, the Inn offers 125 antique-filled rooms and suites, formal and casual dining with locally sourced ingredients, a gift shop featuring locally made items, a pub with nightly entertainment and a full range of amenities including free WiFi, a year-round heated outdoor pool, and in-room massage therapy. The Inn is recommended by National Geographic Traveler, The New York Times and The Boston Globe. For more information, contact 413-298-5545, or visit www.redlioninn.com.