Chamber applauds national strategy to boost travel and tourism

Local officials join forces with the U.S. Travel Association

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a first for the U.S., President Barack Obama last week announced a national strategy on travel and tourism to boost travel in the United States. The U.S. travel industry is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, representing 1.8 trillion in economic output and supporting 14 million American jobs.

Gioia Goodrum, the Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce's President/CEO stated that this strategic initiative could provide a boost to our local economy. The impact of travel to the state of Arizona accounts for tax receipts around 2.1 billion and approximately 147,000 jobs. Our local economy is driven by tourism and with our proximity to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, it only stands to reason we will benefit.

According to a White House Statement, last week's announcement calls for a national strategy to make the United States the world's top travel and tourism destination, as part of a comprehensive effort to spur job creation. The number of travelers from emerging economies with growing middle classes - such as China, Brazil, and India - is projected to grow by 135 percent, 274 percent and 50 percent respectively by 2016 when compared to 2010.

President Obama will also sign an Executive Order and charge several government agencies to take part in efforts and new initiatives to significantly increase travel. Some of the initiatives include: a new pilot program and rule change for visa processing in China and Brazil, a final rule to expand and make the Global Entry program permanent, appoint new members to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, and the Nomination of Taiwan to the Visa Waiver Program.

"This is the first time our country has had a national strategy and set goals for the amount of visitors we want to welcome to our country. The timing of the President's announcement could not be better. Travel is an essential industry for our nation and a bipartisan issue that can unite our country and rally us forward. Not only will this increase traffic to America's wonderful destinations and attractions, but nearly half of the travelers will come to attend conferences and tradeshows," said Roger Dow, president and CEO for the U.S. Travel Association. "The president has put forward his vision and the travel industry is ready to heed the call. U.S. Travel looks forward to working with the Administration to improve America's economy and create more American jobs."

The Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the U.S. Travel Association to increase travel to and within the United States. Among U.S. Travel's objectives for 2012 will be for the U.S. government to pursue concrete actions to increase international travel, business travel, participation in meetings and conventions and leisure travel throughout America. Policies U.S. Travel will champion include expansion of the Visa Waiver Program to Brazil, Argentina and Chile; further improvements to our entry process for international guests; streamlining the TSA experience for trusted travelers; and building an aviation system that encourages greater air travel.

For the first time, the Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce will be attending TIA's International Pow Wow in April. Pow Wow is the travel industry's premier international marketplace and the largest generator of travel to the U.S. The Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce will showcase everything the community has to offer to domestic and international buyers, travel agents, and media.