AH&LA Vice Chair Describes Importance of Travel During Congressional Hearing
Nancy Johnson, executive vice president of development for Carlson Hotels and vice chair of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, served as a witness today before the Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. The hearing, "Tourism in America: Removing Barriers and Promoting Growth," focused on bringing international tourists to the United States.
Subcommittee Chair Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a long-time champion of the travel industry, called the hearing to investigate the best ways to increase the number of visits from overseas travelers. Remarks focused on decreasing wait times for passenger screenings, increasing customer service at points of entry for international travelers, and decreasing the workload on Customs and Border Patrol agents by expanding the Global Entry Program to trusted international partner countries. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Subcommittee Ranking Member, expressed his support for these issues and making international travelers a top priority as a way to grow the U.S. economy.
"Tourism is one of our export treasures," Sen. Klobuchar remarked during the hearing. "With tourism, jobs are right here in our country. We need to make this a priority going forward."
The subcommittee remarks echoed the findings of the Travel & Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB) report from Feb. 1, 2011. TTAB, of which AH&LA is a leading partner, released a report that found that each additional million international visitors generates $3.2 billion in additional exports and 27,000 new jobs.
"President Obama has established a goal to double U.S. exports by 2015, and it is in the interest of everyone in this room to help the President achieve this goal," said Johnson during her remarks. "Further, it is our duty as United States citizens to invite the world to see our great nation and help mend the negative image many countries have of the United States. It is in the very DNA of all who work in the travel and tourism industry to invite, welcome and take care of visitors to our businesses. It is critical that the ports of entry to the United States are equally welcoming."
During AH&LA's 2011 Legislative Action Summit (LAS), industry representatives informed lawmakers about the importance of the travel and tourism industries to the U.S. economy. The lodging industry is committed to encouraging international travel and the initiatives discussed today at the subcommittee hearing.
In addition to AH&LA Vice Chair Nancy Johnson, Stephen Cloobeck, chairman of the Corporation for Travel Promotion; Roger Dow, president & CEO of U.S. Travel Association; and John Sprouls, CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts, also appeared on the panel.
About the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80 percent of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.