WHY IT RATES: The U.S. Travel Association applauds the appointment of 32 industry experts to the federal Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, and eagerly anticipates their insights and contributions in hopes that they will strengthen the sector, and bolster the nation's travel economy. - Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate Writer
U.S. Travel Association congratulates the 32 travel industry leaders appointed Thursday to serve on the U.S. Department of Commerce's Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB), a coalition that provides expert recommendations, insight and guidance on travel priorities to benefit travelers and the national travel economy.
"This outstanding and diverse group of leaders will provide invaluable expertise to Secretary Raimondo and the Commerce Department as the U.S. addresses pressing issues to grow the travel industry," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. "Having cooperation between industry and government is critical to establishing travel as an essential component of economic activity and job growth."
The appointees, announced by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, will advise the secretary on how government policies affect the travel and tourism industry, and offer counsel on current and emerging issues to support the industry's growth.
Key policies that require significant focus include lowering the excessive visitor visa interview wait times, modernizing and investing in the antiquated air travel system, deploying infrastructure dollars to improve the travel ecosystem, and fostering the return of Chinese and other critical source markets of international visitors, among other priorities.
The TTAB's efforts will support the Commerce Department's goal of welcoming 90 million annual international visitors by 2027, as outlined in the agency's National Travel and Tourism Strategy, released last June.
"Secretary Raimondo is a remarkable partner in government, and we remain grateful for her leadership to ensure travel reaches its full potential," added Freeman.
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