U.S. Travel CEO Lauds Deal to Re-open Some National Parks
But Reiterates Travel Economy Still in Dire Need of a Long-Term Fiscal Agreement
WASHINGTON - October 16, 2013 - Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, issued the following statement on the Department of the Interior's announcement that would allow state governments to fund the re-opening of some national parks and attractions:
"The Department of the Interior and individual state governments are to be commended for doing everything they can to find a work-around to the congressional stalemate and stem the damage being caused to travel-related businesses. The fact that Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New York are spending their own money to keep the lights on at federal facilities means they realize the critical importance of these sites to their state economies.
"Overall, the broader economy is losing $152 million every day these parks are closed. And especially in the competitive international travel market, the longer the impasse goes unresolved, the more the travel economy will be hurt by the perception that travel to and within the United States is a risky proposition.
"The travel community is unable to address the problem on its own. We need leadership from Washington to permanently re-open the national parks and historic sites that power the livelihood of local businesses all around the country."
Dow thanked the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship for holding a hearing Tuesday on the financial impact of the government shutdown. The perspective of the travel community was presented by Moab, Utah tour company operator Keith Griffall; read his testimony here.
Contacts:
Cathy Keefe, (O) 202.408.2183, (C) 703.899.7031
Chris Kennedy, (O) 202.218.3603, (C) 202.465.6635
The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $2.0 trillion in economic output and supports 14.6 million jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit www.ustravel.org.
Follow us on Twitter @ustravel.
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 
